Publisher's Synopsis
For years, engineers have turned to Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles as their 'bible' on this field. The fourth edition continues this tradition. Much of the material has been substantially revised, and new chapters on wind noise and motorcycles have been added. Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles thoroughly covers the fundamental principles that influence vehicle performance, handling, safety and comfort.
An excellent introduction to the topic for the novice or student and a useful refresher and reference for the expert, the book focuses on:
- The fundamentals of fluid dynamics as related to vehicle aerodynamics
- Specific experimental results
- Design strategies, showing how existing individual results can be applied to specific problems
- Development techniques, as related to different types of wind tunnels, on-road tests and numerical methods.
The aerodynamics of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, sports and race cars, and motorcycles are dealt with in detail. Related fields that are influenced by aerodynamics are also covered, including the effects of aerodynamics on fuel economy, directional stability, engine cooling, and passenger comfort.
Contents include:
- Introduction to Automobile Aerodynamics (including a section on its history)
- Some Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics
- Performance of Cars and Light Trucks
- Aerodynamics Drag of Passenger Cars
- Directional Stability
- Function, Safety, and Comfort
- Wind Noise
- High-Performance Vehicles
- Commercial Vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Engine Cooling
- Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning of Passenger Cars
- Wind Tunnels
- Measurement and Test Techniques
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles is an indispensable book for vehicle engineers, designers, researchers, and those working in government regulatory agencies. It is also an excellent introduction for students, and an insightful look for the enthusiast at why vehicles behave as they do. The book covers aerodynamic principles of: Passenger cars; Commercial vehicles; Sports and race car; Motorcycles. By reading this book, vehicle engineers and designers will be able to: Apply general rules to solve your own design problems; Develop test techniques and design strategies to maximise aerodynamic effectiveness. Car enthusiasts will gain an understanding of: Why vehicles behave as they do; The factors affecting vehicle performance, handling, safety, and comfort. Students will learn: The fundamentals of aerodynamics and its application in the 'real-world' of vehicle design; How to apply specific experimental results as general rules to solve design problems./P
