An Improved Technique for Theoretically Determining the Lift Distribution on an Automobile

Abstract

A technique for determining aerodynamic lift characteristics and surface lift distributions of automobiles is derived. Calculations using both this technique, which includes certain second-order effects, and an earlier technique which omits these effects, are compared with actual pressure measurements taken from actual vehicles. The significant improvements possible near certain regions of the vehicle surface are illustrated, and the improved method’s ability to more accurately predict lift and aerodynamic behavior is shown.