Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (June 1997)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Mon, 9 Jun 1997 19:53:40 -0400 (EDT)
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         loudesign@mindspring.com (Louise Christensen)
Subject:      Re: Hi Speed Vanagoning & the "S L O T" effect

SUBJECT:

>On Sun, 8 Jun 1997 00:54:12 -0500 Norman Leong said: >>There was some some discussion in another forum as to whether or not the lead >>vehicle derived some benefit from a following vehicle in a draft, a "push" if > >according to the Nascar drivers, the lead vehicle DOES derive some benefit, >but not as much as the following vehicles. i'm not sure our buses are big >enough (or fast enough) to do any 18-wheelers any good. and besides, most >of them do NOT like being behind 4-wheelers for very long. imho. :) > >joel

DISCUSSION:

When two vehicles travel linearly in close proximity, a small pressure system is formed in the "slot" between them, creating a sort of "Venturi Effect." The air being forced more quickly to move between the vehicles creates a mini-high pressure system, and a low pressure in front of the vehicles, resulting in a forward vector PULL, effectively causing both vehicles' forward vectors to combine, resulting in further forward thrust (i.e. acceleration).

But this "slot" is distinctly related to vehicle sizes, placement, and shapes (read: air flow patterns). There is a point where you are out of the slot, and simply being buffeted in "trash" air (highly disturbed whorls).

Having once been the recipient of a rear tire blowing on an 18 wheeler as it blew by me, I opt to avoid the questionable advantage any "slot-riding" might afford!

Another 2 cents!

Louise


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.