16.2.2. Testing of Automobiles in Wind Tunnel

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define aerodynamic drag.

   Hint

   It's what slows vehicles down when they move.

2. 2.

   What is viscosity?

   Hint

   Think of how honey moves compared to water.

3. 3.

   What does the Reynolds number indicate?

   • Ratio of inertial to viscous forces
   • Total drag on the vehicle
   • Air density

   Hint

   Think about how it helps determine flow patterns.

4. 4.

   True or False: Higher drag coefficients result in lower drag forces.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember how the shape affects drag.

5. 5.

   How would you design a test to effectively measure the aerodynamic efficiency of a new sports car model in a wind tunnel?

   Hint

   Think about the parameters over which you have control.

6. 6.

   Given a drag coefficient increase from 0.3 to 0.4 while testing an automobile model at 50 km/h, calculate the expected increase in drag force if the frontal area remains constant.

   Hint

   Use the drag equation to assess the difference with the new coefficient.