Lotus 7/Locost Aero Rebody

[Christ]

Did the looks appear something like the following?

[botsapper]

JackMcCornack,

I'd like to help out. No need for any more chillen, got 5 already!
Like I said it was a quick model for a quick visualization. By no means it's an engineering model. I used 3dsMax 9 to make it. Can you use DWG on your Rhino? The object is in meshes, I'll send that to you.

Cheryl Tiegs, it'll be...

[some_other_dave]

Some very cool stuff on this thread! BTW, a quick Google search found a three-view drawing of the Tank:




Purely from an aesthetic point of view, I think a slightly shorter nose with a steeper rise would be good. I also think a slight curved dip next to the cockpit would "sell" the Tank-ness better without too much negative effects on the aero. Even though I think the angle of the rear of the original looks better than what I am seeing of your design so far, I am betting that yours is more aero and definitely more driveway-friendly....

-soD

[moTthediesel]

Originally Posted by JackMcCornack

If anybody knows of a local (like this side of the Atlantic) equally inexpensive source, I might be tempted to do a curved windshield and conventional roof. botsapper has me thinking that a beautiful body could be attainable*, just not quite that beautiful. It all costs the same on the screen, but as a wise man once said, necessity is a mother.

This just in...sandmandw, Christ, only the windshield has to be (DOT approved laminate) safety glass, the other windows can be tempered and may be plastic in many cases. So botsapper's shape could be done, just not one piece...and I've never cared for the George Jetson lift-canopy-for-egress look anyway, except in concept cars.

Jack,

Some boats do have wrap around glass windshields, although usually not one piece. I don't know if they are laminated though, or just tempered. It might be worth a trip to a boat yard or dealership to check it out.

Tom

[Christ]

Does that thing really have a crank on it?

[botsapper]

Bubble bubble canopy

http://www.motocrossactionmag.com/Me...chmitt10mb.jpg

[Christ]

Originally Posted by botsapper

Bubble bubble canopy

http://www.motocrossactionmag.com/Me...chmitt10mb.jpg

Federal regulations permit that vehicle to have a plexi or lexan windscreen because it's not a "car". It's a "motorcycle", and therefore doesn't have to follow the same rules as cars do. They get to have all the fun.

[Bicycle Bob]

"Which brings me to my next technical question: How large a scale model do I need for reasonable prediction of airflow on the full size version, using tuft testing on a moving platform (affixed to a boom on the front of a car)?"

To get the same Reynold's number on a half-scale model, you can push it twice as fast, and so on, until you get into transonic effects.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by JackMcCornack

Not quite as classy as that canopy, though, because A) It ain't legal anywhere in the States (windshields must be laminated glass) and B) The first one would cost about 15 grand.

Please, forget the canopy if you want people to drive them, at least anywhere but the Oregon coast. Around here the summertime solar gain from just normal glass is enough to melt plastic, and kill unattended pets and kids. That thing? You'd better plan on Nomex seat covers :-)

If you want a canopy effect, why not a small windshield & side windows, and do the rest in fiberglass, over foam for insulation? Lots lighter than glass, too.

[Christ]

Bicycle Bob makes a valid point! I (obviously) hadn't thought about that.

Does Cd change between, say, 60 MPH and 120 MPH?