Book on history of car aerodynamics

[JulianEdgar]

The book is continuing to develop. Currently it's at 71,218 words and maybe 500-600 images. It's now 210 pages and should go to maybe 220 pages (8.5 x 11in).

MIRA has just agreed to release some historic data on measurements they made on road cars (ie previously unpublished info), which is very exciting. (MIRA's wind tunnel came online in 1960, so it was one of the first full-size automotive wind tunnels.)

My reviewers keep giving me feedback, which usually involves my making just a few tweaks to the sections they're reviewing.

Some sources are giving excellent information; others obscure critical data (eg by giving me CdA figures, without specifying the 'A') - whether by intent or omission, I am not sure. Many are not interested in helping at all. They either don't reply, or show interest until it is time for them to give real info.

All as expected!

[JulianEdgar]

UK's MIRA has provided the first batch of historic wind tunnel test data, which is very interesting. I am hoping for some more soon. The data means that I can add details to some cars I am already covering, and include a few more cars that I previously was not covering.

One of my car company contacts has now given me the 'A' that allows me to calculate Cd and Cl figures for a fascinating car (they previously gave me the CdA and the ClA data). Now I just need some high res pics of wind tunnel testing, etc. (They gave me small pics only.)

I've added the Chrysler Airflow data (converted to modern Cd figures).

I am unsure whether to add the Mercedes Benz and Auto Union 1930 Silver Arrows race cars. I have now found some good aero data on the cars and have access to excellent pics through the respective company media sites.

[aerohead]

Rolling-road wind tunnel data?

[JulianEdgar]

Originally Posted by aerohead

Rolling-road wind tunnel data?

Every type of wind tunnel was used to produce data that is covered in the book. I have a major warning about the veracity of all drag and lift data in Chapter 1.

[JulianEdgar]

Nearly there. Just getting the feedback on the final two chapters from two different experts. I've decided to not put any further new cars into the book.

Today I added the final material on two very different cars...

The Jowett Javelin...



...and the Volkswagen ID.R...



Both gained inclusion because I managed to source decent aero test data on them.

I also did a final-ish proofread of the text. Since I will self-publish through Amazon, I think I'll get a print proof copy sent to me and read that as well before release. I proof read better on a print copy and it also will allow me to see photo quality, etc.

[Vman455]

I'm very excited to read about the ID.R; what little I know about it already suggests it's an amazing car.

[freebeard]

I like the door handles, but the door swings are backward.

[JulianEdgar]

Today I have been working on the cover. This is the provisional one:



I have also been writing the back cover blurb. My provisional one:

Covering every decade from the 1920s until now, this book reveals an incredible array of fascinating and advanced aerodynamic car designs - cars shaped to cheat the wind or stick to the road.

From the low-drag cars of 1930s Germany to the winged Plymouth Superbird in the US. From the first Mazda RX-7 to Tesla’s extraordinary Model S and the Corvette C7 ZR1.

Meet an automotive inventor so weird he’d taken a vow of silence and had to communicate by writing notes…. discover one of the lowest-drag cooling systems ever used in a production car…. understand the aerodynamics of some of the fastest cars ever…. and see how the science and art of car aerodynamics have progressed over the last 100 years.

Written with the full cooperation of car aerodynamicists from Porsche, Tesla, General Motors and Volkswagen, the coverage is detailed and accurate. Over 60 individual cars are described – from the tiny Fiat Uno to the mighty Bluebird Land Speed Record car.

Learn about the development of wings and spoilers, the Kamm tail and today’s low-drag electric cars. Be astonished how some cars over 80 years old have better aerodynamic figures than many current cars.

See rare concept cars from Mercedes, Ford and Chrysler.

Researched on three continents and containing more than 450 photographs, diagrams and graphs, this book will forever change how you view car aerodynamics.

[freebeard]

Meet an automotive inventor so weird he’d taken a vow of silence and had to communicate by writing notes….

Likely my favorite philosopher-inventor.

[JulianEdgar]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Likely my favorite philosopher-inventor.

Yep that's the bloke.