Interesting Aerodynamic Cars (Mike Vetter's ETV, also Avion)

[NeilBlanchard]

The front of that trailer is fine - but the back - not so much.

[freebeard]

http://jalopnik.com/i-have-a-radical-but-possible-idea-what-the-apple-car-w-1719352935

Jason Torchinsky [possibly] reads Ecomodder. When he sat down to design a vehicle that is essentially an autonomous pickup box he started with a [reverse?] Ahmed body and added a [blunted] D-shape to the edges to inhibit vortexes. And a bigger one to make an airdam/diverter at the bottom front.

Can anyone remind me which Honda 5-spoke mag wheel had an optional moon cap with five notches that looked exactly like these?

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by freebeard

.......... and added a [blunted] D-shape to the edges to inhibit vortexes.

This "D" shape at the edges is supposed to act like a rake or fence edge then?

I was told that these only delay the onset of vortex generation, and do nothing to alleviate it. I think it was Aerohead a few years ago in a lost thread.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...t-20793-3.html

Originally Posted by ERTW..........
............. a radius on all the vertical surfaces that's >10% of the thickness (of the base) will do more for you than fences.

Example:
M8F - 1971
The Cars: McLaren Can-Am Cars

[freebeard]

I was told that these only delay the onset of vortex generation, and do nothing to alleviate it. I think it was Aerohead a few years ago in a lost thread.

I was thinking more in terms of the front, not the top, edges. The McLaren M8F has a more conventional nose and the fence tapers out there.


http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post481517

Hersbird actually did it on his Towlite Hi-Lo. I'd be interested in aeroheads comment.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I was thinking more in terms of the front, not the top..........

Looking at the front I see trouble with that splitter/bumper and the "D" rail/fence pocketing air in there.

Oddly enough such a rake/fence/"D" could help guide air up over the hood and windshield thereby avoiding the typical spill over into the side view mirror.

A robot car would have no need for side view mirrors, so there is irony to the situation/design.

Nice trailer solution, another good post.

Link to video - related?:
Tesla Aerodynamic PowerFLOW Simulation with Streamribbons over Side Mirror

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIOAKg7O-ls

[kach22i]

Look ma, no mirrors...........

2014
Why It’ll Be a While Before We Can Replace Car Mirrors With Cameras
https://www.wired.com/2014/04/tesla-...iance-mirrors/

Getting the rules changed will be a huge effort, and Tesla doesn’t have much time if it wants to proceed with its plan for the Model X. The crossover utility vehicle–think station wagon on steroids–slated for production next year has no mirrors at all. Instead, there’s a small camera on each door where you’d expect to see a big mirror. CEO Elon Musk is not a man who likes to compromise on technology or design, and Tesla is eager to see the rules changed as quickly as possible. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration spokesman Nathan Naylor said the agency is taking the request seriously.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by kach22i

This "D" shape at the edges is supposed to act like a rake or fence edge then?

I was told that these only delay the onset of vortex generation, and do nothing to alleviate it. I think it was Aerohead a few years ago in a lost thread.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...t-20793-3.html


Example:
M8F - 1971
The Cars: McLaren Can-Am Cars

*there's a minimum radius for leading edges,under which separation can be prevented.

*without longitudinal body camber you lose on drag


*without vertical side body camber we lose some too

*in this sequence you can see how edge radii mitigate vortex drag.When ever a body produces a difference in local flow velocities,the faster air will be at lower pressure and induce an inrush of slower,higher pressure flow,spinning up a vortex at the intersection.




*the autonomous delivery vehicle may be designed for low-speed,urban,surface street driving,where aerodynamics wouldn't have the impact as with a highway hauler.Don't know

[freebeard]

Thanks, aerohead. It looks like the difference between 0.75 and 0.257 Cd, probably fine for that sort of flight envelope.

Looking at the front I see trouble with that splitter/bumper and the "D" rail/fence pocketing air in there.

Oddly enough such a rake/fence/"D" could help guide air up over the hood and windshield thereby avoiding the typical spill over into the side view mirror.

Mirrors or no, the sides present a raking surface to the oncoming air. Any funny-business is rolled into the slant nose and thence over the top.

If nothing else, it makes for a good bumper and mount for roof rack crossrails. The nose extension (possibly from Dekotora trucks?) lowers the stagnation point and as designed could be hinged for steep driveways.

Any idea on that Honda wheel/cap? I'm pretty sure I saw it on Ecomodder.

OTOH Mercedes goes with big ol' truck with twin drones that load out through the top.


https://electrek.co/2016/09/07/mercedes-all-electric-van-concept-delivery-industry-robots/

[sgtlethargic]

Mehault lakester:

KaBiRo: Lakester

[sgtlethargic]

Dooling Frog tether car: