Summary

Road Vehicle Aerodynamic Design provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject for students, engineers and designers working in the automotive field. Assuming no prior specialist knowledge, the book concentrates on illustrated explanations of the physical principles involved. Although the approach is largely non-mathematical, quantitative data are given, together with some basic formulae and examples of their use. Practical design implications are stated, illustrated by examples of current and historic vehicles.

A description of the basic mechanisms of lift and drag production on road vehicles is given together with the principles of drag reduction and the generation of downforce. Aerodynamic design aspects of the external and internal flows of domestic cars, commercial vehicles and track racing cars are dealt with in detail. Unlike aircraft aerodynamics, the subject does not lend itself to traditional methods of mathematical analysis, but a short introduction to the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques is included. Wind-tunnel and road testing methods are also discussed.

Road Vehicle Aerodynamic Design will prove invaluable to anyone working or planning a career in the road vehicle design industry. It is an essential introduction for students on engineering and automotive design courses.