Aerodynamics

[Seldom Seen Slim]

It's been suggested that this forum might benefit from having a free and self-standing aerodynamics topic.  That is -- all of the aero questions and comments and ideas would be here (well, in an ideal world, but that's another story).  Having aero as a topic would make it easier for someone that's searching for something particular in aerodynamics as it relates to land speed racing -- would need only to click on the topic and scan through the various threads.  As it now stands a viewer must work his way through a zillion posts and the search engine feature.  We've got topics for EFI and steering and water/methanol - it isn't difficult to add another one.

Unless I hear a groundswell of dissent -- I'll start one tomorrow or Saturday.

You're welcome, RX.

[MC 1314]

Fire it up! I need some help.
Bob

[racer x]

Thanks Jon

  First I read a book about aerodynamics then studied all I could find on the internet. After that I took an aspirin for my head and removed all my fairings .I will run Modified from now on .

These are some of my questions.

should the point be at the front ?

should the point be at the back?

 what are Reinolds numbers?

What is laminar flow?

why doesn't everyone have golf ball like dents in the fairings?

what about the sides?

What is wrong with covering the front wheel?

how much effect does rider movement have on the coefficient of drag?

how dose a wind tunnel work? dose moving the air at 85 mph then doing math really get the same results on vehicles ment to go 300 mph?
 
Why does a 50 caliper bullet have a blunt tail end ?

is a tear drop a good aerodynamic shape?

dose paint surface texture make any difference?

dose air temperature make any difference?

even if one of these questions gets answered it would lead to ten more.

See . That is why I just run Modified. 

[wobblywalrus]

That would be a good topic. 

[Peter Jack]

Great idea Jon. Experience has shown me that we usually think we know a lot more about this subject than we actually do.

Pete

[Seldom Seen Slim]

See, it wasn't that difficult to set up, was it, Slim?

Okay, boys and girls, you've got a new board/topic available to you.  Use it for darn near anything about aerodynamics.  Post your ideas, your questions, your tall tales - whatever, it's all about the movement of your vehicle through the air - and of the air moving around your vehicle.

I've pointed out to Dave Salazar (A2 Wind Tunnel) that the board has been set up.  I did not make him the official "go-to" guy - on purpose.  If he checks it now and then (just like everyone else will probably do) and decides to comment or ask or answer -- that's his choice.  You're welcome to ask him a question via your post -- but if he doesn't respond it's his choice.  He is not a moderator and isn't the designated answer guy.  Ditto with others that we know are strong in their knowledge and application of things aero-related.  This is an open subject.  Use and enjoy and learn, hey?

[wfojohn]

Yes, great idea.

[SPARKY]

 

[RichFox]

Please observe small red car in picture to the left. What's this about Aerodynamics?

[generatorshovel]

What a good idea Slim,
Here's my question, I , like most, enjoy learning as much as possible about aero, and have looked at many wind tunnel videos , both cars and bikes, but I have never seen, or do I understand how the air flows past the front wheel (bike) and what effect this has on the air flow behind it.
How much travels over the top of the fender and between the fork legs on a naked bike ?, same question applies with APS bikes.
I  realise the plan is to split , and try and control the flow with APS bodywork, but have always wondered what benifits can be obtained from the fenders in the various bike classes, as opposed to no fender at all ?
Tiny
(edit,,oops,,,posted soo close to the right spot)

[Cajun Kid]

Please observe small red car in picture to the left. What's this about Aerodynamics?

Rich, but you have enough HP to push the little Red Brick through the air !!!!

Cool car, but then again I am biased,, I like the old classic and vintage stuff.

Charles

[Seldom Seen Slim]

I think I've fixed things now.  I managed to get two (count 'em, TWO) aero topics set up.  So I just now merged them into one.  You shouldn't have to read sorta-double any more.

[Tman]

Thanks for the sub-forum!

[wobblywalrus]

A well designed front fender can efficiently split the airflow and help it pass alongside the fairing.  Also, the fender contains the turbulent airflow around the upper half of the spinning front wheel.  Both of these features help reduce aero drag. 

[Tman]

A well designed front fender can efficiently split the airflow and help it pass alongside the fairing.  Also, the fender contains the turbulent airflow around the upper half of the spinning front wheel.  Both of these features help reduce aero drag. 

Silly wallrus, Real racecars don't have fenders!