Automotive aerodynamics is the study of the causes and changes of motion in cars. Broken down to its base, it is the study of how effective a car is against wind and road conditions. Formula One cars are extremely aerodynamic, this apparent in the smooth curvature of the car body and ability for wind to push through or around it. An SUV or the ever brawny Hummer are examples of vehicles with poor aerodynamics. They have a fat frontal area and are chiseled in a way that slams into wind instead of allowing wind to slide past.
Determining aerodynamics for a car is done using computerized models and wind tunnel tests. What these tests evaluate is how wind bends or doesn’t bend around a car in motion. The more it does, the better the aerodynamics and by extension, the better the fuel economy. If a car or truck has to push against and fight wind, it will draw more power to go the same speed. This is also why drafting in NASCAR is so necessary. When cars are close enough bumpered up together, the lead car will break the wind and the cars behind it will slip into that open pocket of already flowing wind. The faster the speed, the more drafting benefits the participants, because the wake of air created by and trailing the lead car is traveling at the same velocity. Everything behind the lead uses less energy, which in-turn boosts the speed of the lead.
It doesn’t take a physics genius to understand the underline fact about aerodynamics in automobiles. More aerodynamic means less energy, means more miles per gallon. This of course means less money at the pump. As simple as it sounds, aerodynamics is far more complex when you step into it. For a car shopper, however, all you need to know is aerodynamics is good. Now you know and like the great philosophers of the 1980′s cartoon, G.I. Joe, often hypothesized, knowing is half the battle.
Tyler Baker; OSM Writer
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