Automobiles' aerodynamic qualities and how they changed since 1950?
Aerodynamics is the way air moves around things. Anything
that moves through air reacts to aerodynamics. It even acts on cars, since air
flows around cars.
1950s cars were some of the most classic, powerful and unsafe
cars ever driven. However, the modern designs and acceleration abilities were
getting better every year. In design, the outstanding feature of the 1951 model year
was the popularity and extension of the “hardtop convertible” introduced in
1950 models. It was announced that air-conditioners would be available as optional
equipment on at least three 1953 cars. Two different cars were introduced in
1953: one with a magnesium body and the other was plastic-fiberglass. One of the most noteworthy trends in 1957 was the rise
of the station wagon. Before the war, this body style was regarded as a luxury.
For some years, the world's automotive industry has been under
pressure to develop vehicles which are less demanding on fossil fuels as the
primary source of energy for propulsion and to be less harmful to the
environment. Automobile
aerodynamics has a significant effect on overall fuel consumption of vehicles. It is now accepted that
certain shapes and features give the best aerodynamics. A car is most stable when the Center of
pressure lies slightly in front of the Center of gravity. With these new
findings and improved aerodynamic qualities, modern automobiles are faster,
safer, easier to use and even has less fuel cost.
BY AMINATH SAAMA (ACFS 1)
