Aerolid Flow Visualization Test (video of F150 aero shell tuft testing)
 

Finally got this to download onto youtube after literally months of trying. This test was done in May of 2007. The video has some bumpy camera shots but luckily there is some smooth video too.

Bondo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gENbiqRtAMM

Excellent!

Thanks for posting, Brett.

That is one good looking unit.

Looks like you have a good circulation pattern on the end and small vortices coming off c-pillar transition, which, according to "the Hucho", induce a downwash which keeps the external flow downward in the area of the rear end and keeps it attached. All good.

I'm going to scan those pages and post them because that slope is the one that we are always talking about.

What is your slope angle?

I have one word of advice for you... Tripod. (As if you didn't know already.)

Thanks orange4boy!
 

I have never even measured the slope. Looks to be around 12 degrees by overlaying a protractor on a picture. The roof actually is a gentle curve which comes off the cab and then curves into a flat area about the last third of the roof.

Next video I will definitely get a tripod. You can get car sick watching this one!

Bondo

I have two ideas for anyone wanting to prototype a shape and field test it before investing more heavily in a durable solution (required) with curb appeal (optional).

1. Use plexiglass in construction of the prototype. Tape on tufts like et al. But lay inside the bed with the camera. A macro lens may be needed though.

2. Use pegboard in construction of the prototype. Again observe from inside the bed. Hold little scraps of paper near different holes to see if air is moving in or out. It should indicate of where pressures are highest and lowest. The grid provides a convenient means to document patterns.

Cheers
KB

Aerolid
 

Bondo,
I see you have this sitting on a truck at a dealership. Have you managed to get your product to market or is it a prototype still?

Still prototype at this point.
 

Took the picture on a Sunday when the dealer was closed. Wanted the Ford logo as a back drop. Hoping some day there will be some on dealers lots.

Bondo