Aerodynamic Stability – Part 1: Theory
When it comes to cars, "stability" is a loaded term because it is very imprecise. Stability could mean the car's ability to track in a straight line down the highway (which is as much a function of its alignment as anything else), or its ability to maintain its direction and rotation in a constant rate turn, or ability to maintain its composure through a slalom course, or its ability to resist changes in lift, or to not be disrupted as it moves and jostles on its suspension over a washboard road, or any number of other things. So, to talk about "stability" in any meaningful way, we first have to narrow it down. What sort of stability? Stability with regard to what factor or input and what measurement or output? We'll see in just a minute why these fins might have been a bit misguided. Aerodynamic Stability Since this is a blog about aerodynamics, let's consider stability as it is influenced by the movement of air around (and through) the car. He...