AERO
DYNAMICS
What is Aerodynamics ?
Aerodynamics is the study of how air moves around objects, influencing forces like lift, drag, and thrust to determine motion and stability.
l
AERODYNAMIC
having a shape which reduces the drag or friction from invisible air particles moving past
Why does an aerodynamic shape for your race car matter? What changes?
Wind resistance increased exponentially in proportion to speed.
DRAG
COEFFICIENT
quantifies the resistance of an object relative to its frontal area as it moves through a fluid.
Why does the superman position in road cycle racing make sense during downhill sections of the race course?
The cyclist is reducing frontal area
The swimmer is reducing drag coefficient
How can you reduce both the frontal area and the drag coefficient of your car?
Trace the profile of your car on the paper and analyze it's aerodynamic properties.
NASA Airfoil Analysis Simulator (LINK)
NASA Wind Tunnel Simulator (LINK)
Aerodynamic Simulators
Description
Understanding the aerodynamic impacts of the shape of our cars
Instructions
Trace the profile of your car on a sheet of paper and analyze its aerodynamic properties.
Deliverables
At the end of the activity have a group discussion about the aerodynamic differences of the cars that we have designed.