Page 11 - Combined_138_OCR

A. INTRODUCTION:

1. Background:
C e v
Aerodynamic testing of automobiles has been and will continue

to be an ’’after the fact” or after the basic styling configuration has been
f
frozen. The non-technical s tylingj/personneli/have^/aa-Teel for, aerodynamic
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factors affecting overall car performance. Pixels equently. we. a re^cnnstoatLy

faced with unrealistic component configurations from a body aerodynamic or

cooling system^ standpoint through no fault of the -individual#. It has been

shown that minor changes in individual body or trim components can make

an appreciable difference in the overall automobile configuration aero­

dynamic factors.

Past aerodynamic programs have been directed mainly toward

’’fixing” race car configurations which involves a rathe ive roces s

of changing subtle features of the final car design by^-making special com-

ponents and/or releasing additional components for specific models.

economic s of designingynto the basic automobile

configuration and components^ound aerodynamic shape^Jrather than chang-

ing afterwards, this proposal is aimed at providing engineers and stylists

with a handbook of tested and proven aerodynamic automobile components

illustrated in a manner such that non-technical personnel can comprehend.

In this manner styling-can partially obtain an understanding of favorabl c t

n omponent configurations and shape their designs during initial phases. It

is visualized that a program such as this could have a profound effect