Abstract: Based on the "Lifting surface
theory" in automotive aerodynamics, a new theoretical model for
predicting or determining the aerodynamic characteristics of an
automobile is presented. Applicational potentialities of the new
model in optimization of vehicle body design are also discussed,
including those in the study and development of the "ideal basic
body shapes", which have minimum drag coefficient when moving in
the vicinity of the ground and satisfy all the requirements from
automobile engineering and other aspects.
Key words:
Automotive aerodynamics Lift Drag Ideal body shape
Manuscript received on July
21, 1994
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