Twenty Years of Projects on Vehicle Aerodynamics

Abstract

Reasons for using projects in higher education are briefly discussed and typical aims are outlined. The way projects are operated at Middlesex is described. A variety of student projects in the field of vehicle aerodynamics are illustrated. Projects such as car—caravan drag, roof-rack effects, the performance of go-karts and motor cycles are included. Brief details of the nature of, and results from, these projects are given. They are compared with contemporary reference material. Often despite the small scale of the tests they were surprisingly accurate. Difficulties with managing projects of this nature are outlined. Lessons are drawn from the way students pursued their projects, and tentative conclusions are made about the relevance of this type of project.