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In summary: First and foremost, make your car as low to the ground as possible. This will reduce the amount of air that has to travel around it, and therefore the amount of drag it produces. To reduce drag even further, make your car as flat as possible. Try to use as few sharp edges on your car as possible, and make sure your front and rear windows are as smooth as possible. Finally, use as much aerodynamic material as possible. For example, use clear plastic or plexiglass for your windows, and fabricate a wind tunnel out of cardboard or plastic.
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Cosmology101
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I am building a Pinewood Derby car (Just for fun) and I want to make my car REALY areodynamic, but I don't really know the basics of areodynamics. Please help!
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Cosmology101
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Cosmology101 said:
I am building a Pinewood Derby car (Just for fun) and I want to make my car REALY areodynamic, but I don't really know the basics of areodynamics. Please help!
I know it has something to do with the wind and how something "cuts" through it, but how and why?
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Burningmace
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Aerodynamics is about the flow of air around an object. Imagine you drop 50 golf balls onto a big sheet of paper. Most will hit the paper. If you turn that paper so that the balls fall towards the edge of the paper (instead of the front of it) it is likely that none will hit it.
It's all to do with momentum. Each particle of air and dust hitting your vehicle transfers momentum to it. As each particle has very little mass, and your car has a lot of mass, the effect of each particle is very very small. However, when you have millions upon millions of particles hitting your car every second, the effect becomes very noticeable. The fewer particles that hit your car, the better. If you make the car very flat it will dramatically cut down on the frontal surface area, and therefore the number of particles of air that hit your car every second.
The other thing you need to remember is that air flows like water. Turn on a tap full blast and put a spoon underneath it so the face of the spoon is being hit by the water. Then rotate it 90 degrees so that the edge of the spoon is being hit by the water. Notice how much easier it is to hold the spoon in place? That's because the water just flows around the curve of the spoon instead of hitting it face on. If you make your car pointy and sharp at the front like the end of a bullet, it passes through the air much more easily.
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Phrak
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It should be more or less tear drop shaped
http://www.ehow.com/how_2082554_make-soap-box-aerodynamic.html"
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Ranger Mike
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i spent a lot of time on this one..as Waddel Wilson said ( famous Nascar crew chief)
any time your car is moving , your moving air..
i recommend yo uget a shop vacuum cleaner, the kind that blows as well as sucks, build your self a cardboard box big enuff to put the pinewood entry into, if possible use as much clear plastic, plexiglass or even window glass for the top. fabricate an opening at one end for the vacuum hose ( in blow mode) leave the exit end of the box open..go get some yarn ( the kind grand mother used to knit with) and duct tape tufts (about an inch long piece of yarn) all ovet the car.. turn on the vac and you now have your wind tunnel..
a stiff wire about two feet long with a piece of yarn attached will permit you to see the air action in front and in back of the car..
note dead zone in back of the car..this is drag...the less dead space and drag , the better aero
good luck
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PhanthomJay
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You might find some additional help or pointers at the Aptera 2 website www.aptera.com , one of the most aerodynamically efficient proposed autos (I guess technically it's a motorcycle) in the world.
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PhanthomJay
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I chanced upon this site: http://clarksgreen251.org/pwdtips.htm
1. How do I choose the best design for my Pinewood Derby car?
Choosing the best design for your Pinewood Derby car can be a fun and creative process. Start by considering the rules and regulations of the race, as well as any weight restrictions. You can also look for design inspiration online or by looking at past winning cars. Once you have a design in mind, sketch it out on paper and make sure it meets all requirements before starting to build.
2. What materials do I need to build a Pinewood Derby car?
The basic materials you will need to build a Pinewood Derby car are a block of wood, wheels, axles, sandpaper, paint, and decorations. You can purchase a Pinewood Derby car kit that includes all of these materials, or you can buy them separately. It's important to use materials that are allowed in your race, as some races have specific rules on what types of wheels and axles can be used.
3. How can I make my Pinewood Derby car faster?
There are a few things you can do to make your Pinewood Derby car faster. First, make sure the wheels are properly aligned and lubricated. You can use graphite or a dry lubricant to reduce friction between the wheels and axles. Additionally, make sure your car is as light as possible by removing excess wood and using lightweight materials. Finally, test your car on a flat surface to make any necessary adjustments before race day.
4. How can I involve my child in building their Pinewood Derby car?
Building a Pinewood Derby car is a great opportunity to involve your child in a hands-on project. Start by discussing design ideas and letting them choose the design. Have them sketch out their design and help with sanding and painting. You can also involve them in the process of adding weights and testing the car's speed. This will not only make the experience more fun for your child, but it will also teach them important skills in design and engineering.
5. Are there any safety precautions I should take while building a Pinewood Derby car?
While building a Pinewood Derby car is generally a safe activity, it's important to take some precautions to avoid injuries. Make sure to use appropriate tools and supervise children when using sharp objects such as knives or saws. It's also a good idea to wear safety goggles when sanding or cutting wood. Lastly, make sure to follow any rules or guidelines set by your race's organization regarding safety and use of tools.
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