My new book - A Century of Car Aerodynamics

[JulianEdgar]

Originally Posted by aerohead

what difference would it make?

As an author I am able to buy my own books much more cheaply than retail price. However, there's never been a point (except for copies for me) because if I buy one, get it sent to me and then pay postage to send it to a customer, the total cost is even more than if that person bought the book direct from Amazon.

But I have now realised I can order as the author, then get the book sent straight to the customer from Amazon.

Which means I can offer a discount. So far, it works out as around 20 per cent discount, depending on the market.

[aerohead]

As an author, what difference do you think the book would make?

[JulianEdgar]

Originally Posted by aerohead

As an author, what difference do you think the book would make?

Well, I'll just quote what some people who read the draft said:

“Someone once said that to know where you are going you need to know where you have come from. Julian Edgar's new book provides car aerodynamicists with a vivid and detailed understanding of how we got here over the past 100 years.”
- Jeff Howell, Visiting Professor Loughborough University and former head of Aerodynamics at Rover, Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors European Technical Centre.

"This book takes you on a fascinating and engrossing journey through the history of automotive aerodynamics, highlighting notable milestones in learning and technology, but also bringing real humanity to some of the illustrious names of the field, and adding illuminating context to their work."
- Rob Palin, lead aerodynamicist on the Tesla Model S

"A fascinating and well-researched trip through history that will expand the understanding of anyone interested in vehicle aerodynamics."
- Jon Young, car aerodynamics enthusiast

[JulianEdgar]

I've actually been working at 100 per cent on my history of car suspension book. It's been quite fascinating.

I did some natural frequency testing the other day (bounce and roll) of this:



... and today I was writing about this....



The expert I am working with (Doug Milliken) is brilliant in giving feedback - very quick and very precise.

I've decided that Frederick Lanchester is the Wunibald Kamm of his time - Lanchester is my new hero. One of his cars:



Note the side stick steering.

[JulianEdgar]

My favourite car from the aero history book:



183 km/h on 66kW.

114mph on 49hp.

And it's not a small car - carried six people.

[freebeard]

That's two more people than the Volkhart-Sagitta, and it's got those slotted fins. Has anyone else used those besides the Bertone BAT series?

[JulianEdgar]

Originally Posted by freebeard

That's two more people than the Volkhart-Sagitta, and it's got those slotted fins. Has anyone else used those besides the Bertone BAT series?

Kamm car uses fins that are offset, not just slotted. I don't know why.

[freebeard]

I came back with a guess, but now that I look at that DeDion rear axle, it's a Rover 2000.

I saw a DeDion axle under the back of a 1951 Dodge Route Van in a wrecking yard. Truck axles. They used it for the low floor height in inside.

edit: down the rabbit hole. According to www.metaphorsinmotion.com...Automotive-Illustrations-from-the-50-s-and-60-s-Part-Two your illustration appeared in Sports Car Graphic December 1963.

And here's a De Dion on one of my favorite race cars:




https://www.f1technical.net/forum/vi...16395&start=64

At least I'm pretty sure; drum brakes and kompressor over the transaxle.

[JulianEdgar]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I came back with a guess, but now that I look at that DeDion rear axle, it's a Rover 3500.

Rover 2000 that (when it got the V8) became the 3500. Do you know the reason for the odd front suspension design?

[JulianEdgar]

Originally Posted by freebeard

I saw a DeDion axle under the back of a 1951 Dodge Route Van in a wrecking yard. Truck axles. They used it for the low floor height in inside.

It's hard to tell but it doesn't quite look like that: