Random UnAerodynamic Cars and Trucks Thread

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I have seen a few of these in the wild. What is the Cd of a brick again?

Cd 0.88 if its on wheels.

[Cd]

I think that the Winnebago I posted earlier is about the worst I have seen.

By the way, the tractor that was posted here is ...well...beautiful ! ( did I just call a tractor beautiful ? )

[Cd]

So Aerohead, which is worse - a brick like vehicle like the Winnebago, or something like this :

My guess is on the Jeep.

Scratch that - I'm certain of it !

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Cd

So Aerohead, which is worse - a brick like vehicle like the Winnebago, or something like this :

My guess is on the Jeep.

Scratch that - I'm certain of it !

I couldn't get to the 4-wheel link,but I'd say that the Winnebago would seem like a Mako Shark compared to some 4-wheelers I see around.
Cd 0.7+ drag coefficients.

[freebeard]

4wheelonline is blocking your hyperlink, so I use my imagination: Full External Roll Cage w/ Brush Guard.

To be fair to the Mitsubishi, the cab is generic. And I think if the Cat had a Template-conforming load it would be pretty good —it's got a diverter in front, the problematic bits are tucked up under an overhang, and even a full length side skirt.

You should see the tractor I linked in the other thread.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Agrale TX-1600


Some random Mercedes-Benz class 7 rig


Volkswagen Constellation-series truck, A.K.A. "Sponge Bob" due to the square shape of its cab

Originally Posted by freebeard

To be fair to the Mitsubishi, the cab is generic.[/URL].

And it's still better than the cabs used in the Ford Cargo and in those Brazilian-made Peterbilt/Kenworth cab-forwards.

Ford Cargo with the late-2000 facelift


VW trucks still use the same cab featured in the Brazilian Peterbilt and Kenworth cab-forwards

[kach22i]

The fineness ratio and small changes to a basic "Bus shape", are to be respected.

I'm learning something from this topic.

EDIT: found this debatable graphic and claims.

http://www.icbus.com/bus/articles/greenshields


EDIT-2: more....................

http://midwestenergynews.com/2012/08...e-efficiently/


http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/08/12/smart-science

Over the years, Cohen and his team have won multiple awards to help fund their efforts. First, Cohen won a $1,000 grant from Ashoka Youth Venture to get his project off the ground. Then in 2010, the team won a $25,000 award from the Pepsi Refresh Project to further research and development.

This year, Cohen is receiving a $36,000 award from the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards for both his research and education. Cohen and his mother, Jakee Cohen, both expressed their gratitude toward the Helen Diller Family Foundation.

I like this comment:
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/08/12/smart-science

KenC • a year ago
While I applaud the efforts of these young people to promote energy conservation, the claims that a simple fairing added to a school bus could cut overall fuel consumption by 10-20% is an extraordinary one (that claim is made on your show and on their site). Extraordinary, because air drag has little effect at speeds below 40 mph, where most school buses spend most of their time, and the fairing is relatively small.

Tests were done by Georgia Tech on tractor-trailer trucks ( gtri.gatech.edu/casestudy/boos... ) with more extensive aerodynamic modifications, and they measured less than 7% fuel efficiency improvements at speeds of 65-75 mph. Since air drag is a square law, only 1/4 the savings would be seen at 35 mph (< 2%).

As Carl Sagan says, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. I would like to see the details of the test conditions and data that lead them to make these claims. Not providing this data on the web site raises concerns. I fear that Greenshields will be a dead end, perhaps these entrepreneurs should invest their personal energy in a more promising area?

http://americanprofile.com/articles/...-bus-retrofit/


I think they would get better use of that shield if they cut it off at the high point, and attached it to the back top edge of the bus.

I like the idea, but Aerohead has answered this same question many times in the forum and said the additional frontal area just doesn't pay off. At least that's what I recall, will stand corrected if my memory is bad.

[freebeard]

A better solution would be a half-round over the 'School Bus' sign and flashing lights.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by freebeard

A better solution would be a half-round over the 'School Bus' sign and flashing lights.

Yea, but that probably would not net the lad +$60,000.............things which look like they should work, typically make more money that those things which really do work.

Perception is everything in marketing, and this kid has a good marketing scam going. I suspect his parents may have something to do with that, just a guess.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

The current generation of Brazilian buses is aerodynamically better than those stereotypical American schoolies, even though they're usually forward-control.