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Question
If the bottom of the car is covered and flat, will it improve its aerodynamics? Why?
Yes, drag will be reduced because the turbulence and resistance caused by air flowing around the various hoses, struts, axles, and cavities will be minimized. I expect that the drag reduction would be small for well designed cars at highway speeds, but could be important for race cars. I understand that some race cars have specially shaped underbodies (not exactly flat, but slightly convex) for smooth airflow and reduced pressure that helps keep the car on the ground.
Paul
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Aeronautical Engineering
Answers by Expert:
Paul Soderman
Expertise
Aeronautics, Fluid Mechanics, Aeroacoustics, Noise Control, Muffler Design, Wind Tunnel Research.... I know nothing about India - do not ask about schools, jobs, application requirements, career choices, etc. for India. Please, no text message verbiage; I prefer full words in full sentences. Thanks.
Experience
38 years as research engineer at NASA
Publications
AIAA, NASA
Education/Credentials
B.S. and M.S. Aeronautical Engineering - U. of Washington
Graduate work Standford U.
Awards and Honors
AIAA Associate Fellow (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics)
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