Front bumper shape
 

Time has come to redo my front bumper. Which is better for aerodynamics, a wedge shape or a rounded over shape?

I'm glad I noticed the "NEXT" button in that link, some interesting stuff.

Sort of on-topic adjacent, check out this rounded sail boat bow.

Radical new mini - Boat Design Forums

EDIT: I like these book scans, nice info.
http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-ae...strations.html

How can I navigate to this section of the site? Obviously, from the link notation, it is some ref material that Phil put onto the site, but I don't see a way to navigate to the material.

Do you mean the links don't work for you or what? :confused:

Go here to start.
Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - aerohead's Albums

http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-ae...enetration.jpg

http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-ae...oncept-car.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/...17eda205_z.jpg

Looks like it's a balancing act between drag reduction (top) and downforce (bottom). With a street car downforce shouldn't be a problem.

If you want inspiration for a front end, look at modern current model cars. They seem to be an air dam type thing low, below midheight. The air dam tends to remain flatter out to the sides so it "pushes" the air out away from the messiness that is the front wheels. Above midpoint, it is all rounded radius to start the air on its trip over the top.

Like This.

http://i40.tinypic.com/vnpkz5.jpg

or This

http://i39.tinypic.com/k2mrkx.jpg

I wonder what the CD penalty is for the hood ornament???

That is a lot of help. Thanks. I have been looking at cars coming out now though, and what is with the flat front look. It just appears that having a tall flat bumper would actually cause a negative effect. Does anyone have data on how this effects aerodynamics?

The alternative is a sloping bumper and front end, which doesn't look as good. Bulldog noses are in fashion.

A bullet shape funnels air under the car which creates front end lift.