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Originally Posted by SvdM
I bought The Leading Edge at the end of last year. I have noticed one or two contextual errors too. I bought it after I helped with the design for a body for a Cruiser-Class solar car that will be running here in the South African Solar Challenge (Sasol Solar Challenge) Latest News
When I designed the car I was asked to create something car-like rather than full-on Challenger. The client liked some concepts sketches that didn't strictly adhere to the best aero knowledge I've been able to glean from you aero-powerhouses here and I had to go ahead as is and didn't have a lot of time to do it in (not my dayjob).
From Tamai's book I noticed that the induced drag of this car would probably outweigh the skin-drag, but it is so far a very interesting read (even for a non-Engineer) on how engineering teams really go to the nth to get the drag as low as possible and what they need to do to accomplish it. An interesting part is their use of side-winds to 'sail'.
I am not very involved in this project apart from the initial SW-model, but I do pop in every now and again to see how they're doing.
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I was reluctant to buy the book,but now that I'm getting into it a bit I also find it very interesting.
Contextual comments seem to be compensated for later as he fleshes out his text.I'm reading every word,as I never know when I'll run across a 'caveat.'
So far I'd say the book is a 'BUY' recommendation.For it's cost,we get a pretty good section on fluid mechanics and really complete work on boundary layer theory.
I have to bear in mind that this book is about solar racers,and as long as I do,there's no disappointment.
Hope you enjoyed your design experience on the racer.There's a lot to consider with a rulebook competition vehicle.
