Aerodynamics, in its most basic definition, is the study of how gases interact with moving bodies. Since air is the most common gas we encounter, aerodynamics is primarily concerned with drag and lift forces caused by air passing over and around solid objects. Engineers apply aerodynamic principles to the designs of many different things, including many different professions such as buildings and bridges, but the main concern is the aerodynamics of planes and cars. This article will talk about the effect of aerodynamic forces on automobiles.
The friction coefficient is a common measure in automotive design as it relates to aerodynamics. The reduction of friction in road vehicles causes an increase in the fuel efficiency of the vehicle as well as many other performance features such as the vehicle’s top speed, road holding and instant acceleration.
The two main factors that affect friction are the vehicle’s frontal area and drag coefficient. The friction coefficient is a unitless value that indicates how much an object resists movement through a fluid such as water or air. The drag coefficient measures how the car moves in the surrounding air. Auto companies must take into account the car friction coefficient in addition to other performance characteristics when designing a new vehicle. The aerodynamic drag effect increases with the square of the speed; Therefore, the importance of aerodynamic structure becomes critical at higher speeds and also ensures that the vehicle has a steady ride.
One possible complication of altering a vehicle’s aerodynamics is that the forces generated too much lift force to the vehicle. Lifting force is an aerodynamic force that acts perpendicular to the air flow around the body of the vehicle. Too much lift can cause the vehicle to lose traction, which is unsafe for the driver. Lowering the friction coefficient comes from streamlining the vehicle’s outer body. The streamlining of the hull requires assumptions about the surrounding airspeed and the characteristic use of the vehicle. At this point improving automobiles aerodynamics is get with remove the additional parts on the outer surface of the vehicle. External parts such as radio antennas, rear view mirrors interrupt the flow of the wind and increase drift. So instead of these parts, the construction of interior designs and equipment that can serve the same purpose will contribute to the vehicle aerodynamically and reduce the Cd value.
Being able to make designs suitable for all these conditions is one of the important factors that are considered in the basic production stages of today’s car companies. In this regard, competent engineers should be trained and R&D studies should be intensified. Successful aerodynamic designs that lead a company to suitable vehicle design are possible with successful engineering applications.
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Halit Yusuf Genç
Engineer For Space 