Quote:
Originally Posted by JulianEdgar
Sure, but that does not support in any way the approach that has been taken here in applying the template. Viz:
- Show where there is separated and attached flow on existing cars
- Guide the shape of rear extensions
- Show how rear spoilers on sedans should be positioned and shaped
- Allow the assessment of the ‘aerodynamic purity’ of cars
What you are describing in your post is one approach to developing a low drag car from scratch. (Only one approach, because of course solar cars don't follow a lot of these rules of thumb and yet develop the lowest drag of any vehicles ever.)
But nearly all of us are modifying existing cars, not building cars from scratch. A completely different endeavour.
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Since these four 'bullets' were also at the 'Hucho's 'templates' thread, I responded to them there.
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As to the solar cars, they do produce low drag as well.
I've attended three solar car competitions, plus an all-day visit with the SolarWorld GT team, at Texas Christian University, as they were traveling the world with their racer.
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1) One takeaway is that these cars can be as large as the largest production automobiles made in the recent past ( Chevrolet Caprice Classic, Buick Roadmaster, Cadillac Deville ).
2) As large as they are, typically, they seat a single occupant.
3) If they seat two, it's in tandem.
4) The driver/passenger are typically in a recumbent seating orientation.
5) The cars have terrific tumblehome requirements.
6) Pretty awful interior space utilization.
7) Part of their low drag is associated with the Bridgestone ECOPIA EP80, or Schwalbe Energizer-S electric vehicle, slick, racing tires of very narrow section. ( 57mm for the ECOPIA ) operating @ 800 KPa ( 116 psi ).
8) 'Knife-edge' trailing surfaces are typically chosen ( difficult to mount a license plate or DOT taillamps).
9) Frontal areas may range from 7.5-sq ft, to 14.2-sq-ft.
10) While I would 'jump' at the chance to commute in one, I'm uncertain if the rest of the world is ready.
11) 5-Star Safety ratings are very popular in the marketplace.
12) 'Scaling up' to more family-friendly frontal areas is a non-starter.
I love 'em, but seems like they'd be a hard sell, if not impossible.
Just thinking out loud.
