It's all about compromise - a study on front bumper design?

[MeteorGray]

I don't believe I'd want to submerge a few hundred volts DC in a car while forging a stream any more than submerging 120volts AC in a toaster while bathing in the tub.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by MeteorGray

I don't believe I'd want to submerge a few hundred volts DC in a car while forging a stream any more than submerging 120volts AC in a toaster while bathing in the tub.

I wouldn't expect some cheap home appliance to be so well insulated as most mobile applications.

[Taylor95]

My off road bumper did not noticeably impact my mpg. I used to have the stock bumper with the end caps removed.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Taylor95

My off road bumper did not noticeably impact my mpg.

The stock bumper was also not really so aerodinamically-enhanced. Well, the slightly curved edges might actually fare better than the stock design when it comes to aerodynamics...

[Tahoe_Hybrid]

Originally Posted by bobo333

Many of you may have seen my new Off-Road Prius build that's in the works (if not there's a link in my signature).

One major component I would like to upgrade is the front bumper. Obviously the factory bumper is fairly good for aero and can be improved with a simple grille block and (more) flat floorpan, however it does not give the best approach angle for off road abuse nor is it strong enough for highway animal strikes.

This is where my study begins, how much compromise do I need to have to get my perfect bumper? Where are big advantages available in one area that detracts least from the other area?

The end product will most likely end up somewhere in the vast range between this:

I would compare HYbrid models to non hybrid models of the same year/ model some times the hybrid models get a better coefficient drag rating

a good example is the one i have tahoe hybird they carried the design to the 2015 model (with a face lift obviously ) to keep the lower drag to 0.34 while the non hybrid tahoe gets 0.38 even worse if you got a Z71 trim (bulky fenders) 0.40-0.42 drag rating

[Tahoe_Hybrid]

Originally Posted by JulianEdgar

I wonder how HV cables and fording go together?

the high voltage is Isolated water tight(i.e inverter) except for the battery (for the air cooling system)

but the battery will just short to it self that is how they work

as the Negative and positive is very close together a couple of inches apart

so the battery will nuke it self


A. will boil the water
B. cause electrolysis, the water causing it to make hydrogen and oxygen.

[freebeard]

This is where my study begins, how much compromise do I need to have to get my perfect bumper? Where are big advantages available in one area that detracts least from the other area?

[speculative discourse]
Stagnation point height vs approach angle
Cybertruck style: Center front pushed forward but flattened, strong chamfers on the sides.
[/speculative discourse]

[bobo333]

After his first proper off-road adventure over the weekend Jim The Prius is ready for some aerodynamic testing, first the broken factory undertray needed to come off, it has seen its fair share of mud and rocks and will be replaced by a much sturdier aluminium version, possibly reinforced with a steel frame.


Lots of important things to protect under there, as well as improving airflow to make up for the losses the lift and big wheels/tyres have caused.


Next step is to do a base line test, I've found a flat, straight road that allows me to do 110kmh for multiple hours at a time so I will hold a constant speed for as long as possible while changing various things and recording the average milage from the factory display, windows up/down and mirrors in/out should give me a good baseline before I do front bumper on/off, stay tuned for results!

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by bobo333

After his first proper off-road adventure over the weekend Jim The Prius is ready for some aerodynamic testing, first the broken factory undertray needed to come off, it has seen its fair share of mud and rocks and will be replaced by a much sturdier aluminium version, possibly reinforced with a steel frame.

I don't remember what's the alloy more frequently used for aircraft structural repairs, but this seems to be the best to make the undertray as its structural integrity renders a steel reinforcement unnecessary.

[Piotrsko]

Structural is generally 2024 with or without alclad or 6061 if you need to weld it at least on Boeing