Aerodynamics study
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Greetings!
I am a passionate amateur trying to concretize my ideas.
I usually hand modle concept cars and test in a stream of water to simulate air (wind) behaviour around the shape.
I had recently descovered SketchUp (2 monts ago) and I'm loving it . My skills are improving with every hour.
One of the ideas I would like to test consists in 'Propeller-shaped Mag Wheels' that would suck air from beneath the car and expell it sideways (outward). The only way that I see is to have the car rolling on a surface at given speeds and in various wind conditions (direction, velocity, viscuosity...)
Hence, my question:
How do I 'viltual wind tunnel'-test my SketchUp7/SketchyPhysics concept car model? What software is there available? What are the steps to follow?
It is all for a good cause... I am trying to develop a 5 seat 4WD all-electric car.
Many thanks in advance! -
From what i can tell what your asking is actually very tricky to achieve.
Theres a good article on computer modelling in general with a good bit on CFD (something flow analysis), which seems like the sort of thing your after. http://www.societyofrobots.com/mechanics_FEA.shtml
You might have a bit more luck doing a 3d print of your wheels then attaching them to a car body and putting them in your water tank.
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Theres a lot more info here: http://www.cfd-online.com/Wiki/Main_Page
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