Roof Spoiler on Pick-Up Truck Cab - Phase-2
My thoughts on proceeding on a "Phase-2" started a few weeks ago when I read in Wikipedia about the first generation Honda Ridgeline's attention to aerodynamics accounting for it's somewhat unusual looks.
Reference Image:
2016 Honda Ridgeline Redesign - 2016 / 2017 Honda Ridgeline
The inspirational quote:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Ridgeline
Quote:
|
Also, the design of the C-pillar, rear roof garnish, and tailgate were built to maintain good aerodynamics and reduce turbulence between the cab and the tailgate while maintaining driver visibility. This aerodynamic design allowed them to create a rear garnish that shields the rear glass window so when it's opened at speed there is no buffeting or rainwater intrusion.
|
Recently I've been doing some major rust repair on my old truck, cutting out the rust left some giant holes in the body, I filled them with expandable foam and currently in the process of glassing them up and epoxy micro-balloning the repair areas. All this activity has me thinking about going that next step.
One of my user related issues is that in the tonneau cover is removed most of the summer so my buddy and I can throw our bicycles in the back for weekend rides. The cover is easily removed/installed with a dozen screws, but not a task I want to do several times a week.
Posting a few sketches/thoughts done on my cell phone, using Sketchbook for a Samsung Galaxy Note 3.
S10 4x4 Pick Up by George Kachadoorian | Photobucket
No actual design settled on, just exploring ideas.
I believe the NASA truck (truncated bluff body) gets away with extreme aft angles because the body is so long, but my pickup truck cab us not.
NASA Armstrong Fact Sheet: Aerodynamic Truck Studies | NASA
Quote:
|
For subsequent tests, researchers installed a "boat tail" structure, shown in the photograph.
|
Question is; can one "boatail" the back of a pickup truck cabin?
One restraint perhaps not sketched up with proper accuracy is the sportside bed intersection to the cab.
There is this wedge shape to it which I'm convinced sets the side angle, so the longer teardrop sketches are now obsolete in my mind as they were done without actually looking at the truck.
I have Google images on several "Bed Bars" for further inspiration, although they are terrible aerodynamically. They just look cool.
Sample:
Go Industries Baja Rak Truck Bed Bars - FREE SHIPPING!
Just having fun at this point.
If anyone has seen something along these lines which is worth sharing please post it. The more ideas or solutions I see, the better.
I'm kind of looking to do something which has not been tried before for experimental reasons.
Perhaps a twist or an improvement on something which has done before.