Mar 5
Here’s Why Aerodynamics Can Save You Money
Vroom, a racecar speeds by, leaving behind a trail of dust. Have you wondered how can racecars run so fast?
To understand how racecars work, one must understand the fundamentals of aerodynamics — the study of the motion of an solid object, such as an airplane, through air.
Air resistance is a force when the air particles prevent an object from moving fast. Air resistance is analogous to friction — both provide an opposing force that slows down an object from moving.
Thus, there is a certain amount of air resistance any moving object has to overcome in order to move through air. (Of course, objects in vacuum do not experience air resistance as there is no air in vacuum).
However, even with the same fuel source and motor, not all cars are capable of moving in the same speed. This has something to do with the aerodynamics of the car.
Aerodynamics can be especially useful when designing vehicles. Engineers can create planes or cars that are efficient by minimizing the air resistance or drag force, which maximizes engine efficiency. Thus, we can spend money on less fuel yet travel for greater distances.
As a rule of thumb, the more streamlined the shape of the car, the more “slippery” it is. It would be easier for the car to push through the airflow. Less energy is lost to the drag force, meaning that the car requires less fuel to achieve movement.
And that’s how engineers apply the marvelous laws of physics and help lower your budget!
