Aerodynamics of large vehicles

[lego indy]

Homework Statement

My physics teacher has set me this homework where I have to find out how large vehicles(lorries,trains,etc.) have been modified to be more aerodynamic. please could you just give me some links or pointers to help me finish this task.





2. The attempt at a solution
I have been searching around and have only found links to complicated aerodynamics like:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=247602
http://www.accessscience.com/abstract.aspx?id=YB031110&referURL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.accessscience.com%2fcontent.aspx%3fid%3dYB031110
and
http://www.redwingengineering.com/vehicle_aero.html

 

[mgb_phys]

You could start with www.wisil.recumbents.com/car_aerodynamics/

 

[thomate1]

First of all, great job on taking the initiative to research and find resources for your homework assignment! As a scientist, it is important to have a curious and proactive mindset when approaching any problem or task.

To begin with, the concept of aerodynamics for large vehicles is crucial for their efficiency and performance. As you have already discovered, there are various factors that contribute to the aerodynamics of these vehicles, such as the shape and design of the body, the positioning of the wheels, and the presence of any protruding features.

To help you further with your research, here are some additional pointers and resources:

1. Start by understanding the basic principles of aerodynamics, such as drag, lift, and air resistance. This will give you a better understanding of how these factors affect the movement of large vehicles.

2. Look into the history of aerodynamic design for large vehicles. This will give you some perspective on how designs have evolved over time to improve efficiency and performance.

3. Explore the different methods and technologies used to improve the aerodynamics of large vehicles. This can include features like streamlined body designs, air deflectors, and vortex generators.

4. It may also be helpful to look into specific case studies or examples of large vehicles that have been modified for better aerodynamics. This can give you a practical understanding of how these concepts are applied in real-world situations.

As for specific resources, here are a few links that may be useful for your research:

- https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a3118/4211929/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257732224_Aerodynamics_of_Large_Vehicles
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036013231630372X

Remember, the key to a successful research project is to keep an open mind, gather information from various sources, and critically analyze the information you find. Good luck!