Tribute to Syd Mead or F-117 aerodynamics?

[botsapper]

Thanks for the inspirations by futurists/designers; Syd Mead, Bertone Design Milano, Gandini, Giugaro, etc

https://assets.hemmings.com/blog/wp-...dMead_1000.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/eJ6XL4N.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NBcjqAr.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Yd1gtoq.jpg

https://ia800702.us.archive.org/Book...ale=2&rotate=0

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9EOIeIIcAAs_yI.jpg

https://www.leblogauto.com/wp-conten...-Tapiro_21.jpg

[Hersbird]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Sure, but just about every vehicle is designed this way nowadays, not with a sharp transition, but with a tapered and sloped transition. The whole reason it's peaked is that it maximized headroom in the driving position.

There is a silly amount of headroom in the front. If there is enough for a 6'5" guy in the back seat, there is plenty in the front with a flat roof. They did it just to be extremely different.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

There is a silly amount of headroom in the front. If there is enough for a 6'5" guy in the back seat, there is plenty in the front with a flat roof. They did it just to be extremely different.

It isn't clear to me that a flat roof would give the headroom they were targeting, or that going with a conventional curved radius is possible given the thickness and material they are working with.

Sure, they are going with straight lines as a theme, but it isn't clear if that was the design philosophy from the beginning, or if it's a consequence of the material and structural engineering choices.

Regardless, the problem with the appearance can't be fixed with a flat roof. It's a stark design, and most will hate it, and a few will love it.

[freebeard]

Sure, they are going with straight lines as a theme, but it isn't clear if that was the design philosophy from the beginning, or if it's a consequence of the material and structural engineering choices.

I'd compare to the design evolution of that other vehicle made from the same material, the Star Ship. It has evolved through at least four distinct design phases (carbon fiber/stainless steel tanks, cable and pulley/elevator, etc.) and hasn't flown yet.

I expect some evolution. The design is constrained by the retractable tonneau cover. One simple improvement (not Photochopped yet) would be to give the tonneau a simple curvature. I appreciate the tailgate they stole for Gordon Murray's OX.

You'll be able to wear a ten-gallon hat in your pickup again.

The shape is constrained by the formability of the metal alloy. It needs 3D printed corners.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

Ok so I think one simple change would improve this both aesthetically and aerodynamically. Just flatten the roof. The peak just adds frontal aera and makes a tougher angle that forms eddies.

I'm going to dub the peak a Tesla "dunce cap"

What they've done might be a concession,enabling the tonneau cover to slide up into that region.The truck has the best sectional density in the market,albeit,with some mutilation.Separation,with re-attachment,but longitudinal vortices.1970's Bertone-meets-DeLorean.
With the truck 'dropped',we may be glimpsing Tesla passenger car silhouettes of the near future.With edge softening,they'll get below Cd 0.2.Easy!

[freebeard]

The truck has the best sectional density in the market...

Define sectional density?

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Define sectional density?

It's synonymous with area rule,where the body cross-section varies only gradually as a function of longitudinal location,ensuring no pressure or velocity spikes(Bernoulli's Theorem),which protects the turbulent boundary layer from counter-flow,eddy roll-up, separation,and turbulence; allowing pressure regain and a higher base pressure,mitigating pressure drag.
Tesla's sharp edges and sharp intersections could be improved upon,but the basic silhouette is quite a bit like a streamlined half-body.

[Hersbird]

Originally Posted by aerohead

What they've done might be a concession,enabling the tonneau cover to slide up into that region.The truck has the best sectional density in the market,albeit,with some mutilation.Separation,with re-attachment,but longitudinal vortices.1970's Bertone-meets-DeLorean.
With the truck 'dropped',we may be glimpsing Tesla passenger car silhouettes of the near future.With edge softening,they'll get below Cd 0.2.Easy!

The one they were giving rides in had a glass roof and the tonneau either wasn't installed at all or rolled up because you could see out the back window. It also didn't look like there was room between the top of the back window and the rear of the glass roof for it to be rolled up there. So either it rolls all the way up and then down lower than the back window or that prototype was tonneau less.

[Hersbird]

At least you don't have to guess if it would be better going forward or reverse as you can hardly tell.

[freebeard]

By my 4" brass caliper (I had to zoom out three times) the peak is 45% of the length back. I believe the template has it at 30-some %. aerohead?

Modifying to a Ridgeline-style bed eliminates the retractable-in-flight feature. The peak would be a good place for a light bar.

edit: I tried again with a thumbnail on Youtube and got 42%.

2nd edit:
I watched a few more videos. The tonneau is a tambour that stores behind the rear seat, not over it. So the roof peak is an affectation.

It does have a light bar in the peak.