Product Description

New Directions in Race Car Aerodynamics is the first book to summarize the secrets of the rapidly developing field of high-speed vehicle design. Over the past 15 years, author Joseph Katz has been involved with aerodynamic development in the most competitive areas of motorsport today. From Formula One, to Indy Car, Drag and Sedan Racing, this book provides clear explanations for both engineers who want to improve their design skills, and enthusiasts who want to understand how their favourite cars go fast. Katz explains: How aerodynamics win races. Why downforce is more important than streamlining and drag reduction. Designing wings and venturis-what works and what doesn't. Wind tunnel designs, methods and results-what you can and cannot believe. Full definitions of terms, with equations and examples provided for determining key aerodynamic parameters like drag, lift and side-force coefficients, fluid viscosity, or wind-tunnel corrections. Numerous examples using specific race cars, passenger-based prototypes, and open-wheel designs.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22155 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-09
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 270 pages

Customer Reviews

Katz obviously know his stuff and is current on technology
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and informative. The author clearly showed a great deal of familiarity with race cars and does a good job of laying out concepts without overcoming the reader with formulas or technical jargon. At the same time, he addresses some very cutting edge concepts such as the use of micro-vortex generators for drag reduction, and ground effects and exhaust powered ejectors for down force. There is certainly enough material covered to keep the most avid aerodynamicist interested and looking for more. Personally, I would love to see a follow up book published that goes into more technical detail, but I'm sure the author doesn't want to give up all of his secrets.

The only place where I did find the book lacking was in addressing vortex flow. Passenger automobiles are using turbulent air flow more often these days, primarily to reduce drag, yet none of the tricks you see commonly on Porsches or Corvettes, or even on every day sedans were addressed. Hopefully the author is saving this for his next book.

Overall I would definitely recommend that anyone interested in exotic cars, either as a spectator or operator, add this book to their collection.

Excellent introduction to automotive aerodynamics
Although this book focusses on "race car" aerodynamics it has accurate descriptions of the major physical processes governing flows around cars generally. The chapter on finite wings is a particularly good introduction to this topic. I enjoyed the review of wind-tunnel concepts and the list of (rough) Cd values for a selection of cars is useful.

Race Car Aerodynamics: Designing for Speed
i bought f1 technology and was very disapointed because of its lack of aerodynamics and complexity, thisbook on the other hand is amazing, everything you wanted to know about aerodynamics and even covers all the basics, with some great pictures, great for aero racing freaks.