Quote:
Originally Posted by JulianEdgar
I don't have that edition (5th edition is on its way - I've been waiting over 2 months) but the 1987 edition I do have covers similar ground.
This diagram, for example, (P201):
Obviously, there isn't just one 'template' shape that is best.
(In this diagram note also how the plan views of the shapes differ considerably.) |
Note also how solid line shape (VW blunt body) likely has a large wake and AWA shape likely has very small wake -
and yet the two shapes have the same drag.
If you look at the direction and strengths (ie vectors) of the likely lift forces occurring on the two shapes, you can start getting a feel for why this is so.
Lift is very important!