Modifying the Aerodynamics of Your Road Car (SpeedPro) - Softcover

Edgar, Julian; Barnard, Richard; Barnard, Richard H

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1787112837 ISBN 13: 9781787112834

Publisher: Veloce, 2018

Synopsis

Modifying the Aerodynamics of Your Road Car is a unique handbook that assumes no starting knowledge of vehicle aerodynamics. It begins with simple ideas and finishes with sophisticated and effective aerodynamic modifications that work.
Three major chapters cover on-road testing techniques that give you all the information you need to decide what modifications you should make - and, after you've made them, how well they work. Low-cost techniques allow you to visualize the patterns of airflow over your car so that you can actually see the problem areas that need improvement. Uniquely, you're also shown how to measure aerodynamic pressures, so you can determine which body surfaces are creating lift, drag and downforce. Want to work out where a wing should be placed? On-road testing to find that out is covered as well. The book also shows you how to measure downforce to see if that wing is actually working!
If you wish to reduce drag, more than ten different areas are covered. Reducing frontal area, lowering cooling system drag, optimizing vehicle ride height and rake, reducing the strength of the wake, achieving clean airflow separation and optimizing wheel designs are all covered using the latest research findings. And if you're a performance driver, there's a major chapter devoted to reducing lift and improving stability. This chapter includes the design and development of undertrays and diffusers, wings and spoilers. The example car developed measurable downforce when fitted with an undertray and rear diffuser, something that transformed its on-road handling.
The author has been writing about the aerodynamics of road cars for more than 25 years. He is also an experienced and proficient car modifier who has performed numerous aerodynamic modifications and upgrades to his own cars. The book's technical consultant, RH Barnard, is an acknowledged world leading automotive aerodynamicist. If you want a practical, hands-on guide that demystifies and explains car aerodynamics, and shows you how to make effective aerodynamic modifications to your car, this book is for you.

About this title

From the Author

Author YouTube video: youtu.be/R_a73grRsVo

There are no other books on the market that deal in detail with the testing and modification of aerodynamics for road cars. Most books on aerodynamics cover race cars, that have quite different aerodynamic needs. Existing books that cover road car aerodynamics are primarily university textbooks designed for aerodynamic engineers.

In contrast, this book is aimed at the normal car modifier who wants to achieve better aerodynamic outcomes from their road car. Through its use of numerous colour photographs of cars undergoing testing in wind tunnels and on the road, this book is immediately visually accessible. Open it at any page and become fascinated - normally invisible airflow patterns revealed, and the mystery that typically surrounds car aerodynamics dispelled.

One chapter covers a dozen historic cars significant for their aerodynamics - from Tatra to Porsche to the slipperiest car in the world, the Volkswagen XL-1.

The very latest in research is used throughout the book, with more than 60 technical papers, books and magazines referenced. But all the concepts are expressed in everyday language that is easily understood.

Two main groups of readers will be interested in this book:
- Those seeking best fuel economy - the new-age hyper-milers
- Those wanting to improve the on-road performance of their cars.

Two major chapters (Chapters 4 and 5) are aimed at these two groups. Chapter 4 covers techniques designed to reduce aerodynamic drag, and so improve fuel economy. Chapter 5 covers reducing lift and improving stability. Making changes in these areas (for example, modifying a car to give it downforce) results in a dramatic improvement in cornering and braking performance. 

A further chapter covers improving airflow through heat exchangers like radiators, intercoolers and oil coolers, and another chapter shows readers how to site the engine intake for best performance.

Throughout the book, practical examples of the modifications are shown in step-by-step detail.

The book also covers ground-breaking techniques that the author has developed for use by car modifiers. Measuring aerodynamic pressures on the surface of the car's body using cheap and readily available tools has never before been shown. Measuring actual downforce achieved on a road car - and so for example being able to see if a wing really is working - is uniquely covered.

With the enormous credibility of world-renowned aerodynamicist RH Barnard (who acted as technical consultant for the book) and the hands-on, practical skills of the author, this is the book for anyone interested in road car aerodynamics

From the Back Cover

• Modify the aerodynamics of your road car for better performance
• Reduce drag and lift with proven modifications
• Give your road car real downforce, revolutionising grip
• Improve airflow through radiators, intercoolers and oil coolers
• You don't need a wind tunnel - aero test your car on the road
• Measure the effectiveness of undertrays, wings and spoilers
• Understand the latest advances in car aerodynamics
• Over 400 colour photos, diagrams and charts
• Authoritative, deeply researched and practical
• A great read for anyone interested in car aerodynamics

Edition details

• Publisher: Veloce
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1787112837
• ISBN 13: 9781787112834
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 248