Quote:
Originally Posted by aerohead
Morphing the sides into the roof is tricky 'cause the velocities and dynamic pressures are different.Not a problem in the original body of revolution.
So far,my gut feeling is that,after locating the position of max camber on the body side,mimic the roof curvature starting from the side zero point .
Progressing to the rear,begin to roll the sides into progressively steeper tumblehome ( as we see in the HONDA Fit B,C,and D-pillars),blending into the roof-line with slowly increasing radii.(extremely difficult to fabricate!).
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Phil, I'm a little confused by this description, mostly because I don't know what the word "tumblehome" means. I don't find the term in Hucho, so I am at a loss, that being my only substantial reference.
Also, thinking the "side" problem through a bit, I think the sides of most street cars may already be badly compromised in terms of the ultimate aero shape. For example, the "max camber" of the sides is not a well defined point and may extend over several feet. The problems seems to manifest itself quickly when one considers a home built boat tail. The max camber point of the roof and the sides is going to be at significantly different points, keeping one well away from anything resembling a shape of rotation. 3-Wheeler resolved this problem on his boat tail by pretty much maintaining the initial rear convergence angles on his Insight. We haven't seen any tuft tests, so it is a bit difficult to know how that approach worked out. Your comments?
JimE