If you want to make your vehicle more fuel-efficient, faster, or smoother, you might want to improve its aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is the science of how air flows around and through objects, and it affects how much drag, lift, and downforce your vehicle experiences. In this article, you will learn some basic principles and tips on how to improve your vehicle's aerodynamics and performance.
Drag is the force that opposes the motion of your vehicle through the air. It reduces your speed, acceleration, and fuel economy. The amount of drag depends on several factors, such as the shape, size, surface roughness, and angle of your vehicle, as well as the speed and density of the air. To reduce drag, you want to make your vehicle more streamlined, meaning that it has a smooth and rounded shape that minimizes the separation of air flow and the formation of turbulent wake behind it.
Air resistance or drag is dependent on a number of factors including the density of air (atmospheric temperature), the surface area of the object, its velocity, etc. Aero drag increases exponentially as the speed of vehicle increases.
Frontal area is the cross-sectional area of your vehicle that faces the direction of travel. It determines how much air your vehicle has to push aside as it moves forward. The larger the frontal area, the more drag your vehicle generates. To reduce frontal area, you can lower your vehicle's height, width, or both. For example, you can use a lower roof, a narrower body, or a tapered front end. You can also avoid adding unnecessary accessories or features that increase the frontal area, such as roof racks, large bumpers, or spoilers.
Airflow is the way air moves around and through your vehicle. It affects how much drag, lift, and downforce your vehicle experiences. To optimize airflow, you want to guide it smoothly along the contours of your vehicle and avoid creating gaps, holes, or sharp edges that disrupt it. For example, you can use smooth and flush surfaces, such as windows, mirrors, and door handles, that blend with the body shape. You can also use vents, ducts, or scoops that direct air to specific parts of your vehicle, such as the engine, brakes, or radiator, to improve cooling and performance.
Lift and downforce are forces that act perpendicular to the direction of travel. Lift is the force that pushes your vehicle upward, while downforce is the force that pushes it downward. Both affect your vehicle's stability, handling, and traction. To manage lift and downforce, you want to balance them according to your vehicle's purpose and performance goals. For example, if you want to increase speed and reduce drag, you might want to reduce both lift and downforce. If you want to improve cornering and grip, you might want to increase downforce and reduce lift. You can use aerodynamic devices, such as spoilers, wings, diffusers, or splitters, that alter the pressure and velocity of the air around your vehicle to create or reduce lift and downforce.
Testing and measuring are essential steps to improve your vehicle's aerodynamics and performance. They help you evaluate the effects of your modifications and identify areas for improvement. You can use various methods and tools to test and measure your vehicle's aerodynamics, such as wind tunnels, computational fluid dynamics, coast-down tests, or drag coefficients. You can also use sensors, gauges, or data loggers to monitor your vehicle's speed, acceleration, fuel consumption, and other performance indicators. By testing and measuring, you can fine-tune your vehicle's aerodynamics and optimize its performance.