AirShaper

For more information visit:
- AirShaper: https://www.airshaper.com
- Sample project: https://app.airshaper.com/projects/tesla-cybertruck-public-3d-model
- Tesla: https://www.tesla.com


In this video, we analyzed the design changes on the Tesla Cybertruck since the first concept was launched. Earlier, we had used a public 3D model off the internet for a "quick & dirty" CFD analysis. However flawed that approach was, it did highlight both the pros and cons:
- The base profile allows for very good pressure recovery and thus low drag
- The sharp edges need careful execution to avoid excessive flow separation & drag (and noise)

In this video, we used our old analysis and compared it to the design updates we spotted:
- Air deflectors ahead of the front wheels
- Rounded front bumper
- Increased gap between upper & lower bumper
- Flush headlights
- Limited offset between roof and side windows
- Windscreen wiper design


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The AirShaper videos cover the basics of aerodynamics (aerodynamic drag, drag & lift coefficients, boundary layer theory, flow separation, reynolds number...), simulation aspects (computational fluid dynamics, CFD meshing, ...) and aerodynamic testing (wind tunnel testing, flow visualization, ...).

We then use those basics to explain the aerodynamics of (race) cars (aerodynamic efficiency of electric vehicles, aerodynamic drag, downforce, aero maps, formula one aerodynamics, ...), drones and airplanes (propellers, airfoils, electric aviation, eVTOLS, ...), motorcycles (wind buffeting, motogp aerodynamics, ...) and more!

For more information, visit www.airshaper.com

Tesla Cybertruck Aerodynamics - Production version updates

For more information, visit:
https://www.airshaper.com
https://www.nasa.gov/armstrong/capabilities-facilities/aircraft-at-armstrong/x-planes-at-armstrong/

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We had the fortune to visit NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at the Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave dessert. This place is home to the development of NASA's X-planes or experimental planes. This includes:
- The Bell X1 - the first plane to break through the sound barrier at level flight
- The Blackbird SR71 - capable of flying at Mach 3.5
- The X15 - capable of flying at Mach 6.7
and many more!

After the initial introduction & tour by Sarah Mann, we interviewed Sean Clarke, Principal Investigator for X-57 Maxwell Electric Aircraft Research Platform.

Despite the project being shut down, there are a ton of learnings for the eVTOL (electric Vertical Take Off and Landing) industry. They have modified the aerodynamics, worked with foldable propellers, distributed propulsion, designed their own battery system and so on.

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The AirShaper videos cover the basics of aerodynamics (aerodynamic drag, drag & lift coefficients, boundary layer theory, flow separation, reynolds number...), simulation aspects (computational fluid dynamics, CFD meshing, ...) and aerodynamic testing (wind tunnel testing, flow visualization, ...).

We then use those basics to explain the aerodynamics of (race) cars (aerodynamic efficiency of electric vehicles, aerodynamic drag, downforce, aero maps, formula one aerodynamics, ...), drones and airplanes (propellers, airfoils, electric aviation, eVTOLS, ...), motorcycles (wind buffeting, motogp aerodynamics, ...) and more!

For more information, visit www.airshaper.com

NASA X-planes - Inside NASA's research center at Edwards Air Force Base - with interview!

For more information, visit
https://www.airshaper.com
https://www.ucla.edu/
https://www.shellecomarathon.com/

This lecture covers:

Basics of aerodynamics:
- laminar versus turbulent flow
- pressure drag and friction drag
- drag coefficients
- Reynolds number
- Boundary layers
- Flow separation

Basics of CFD (computational fluid dynamics)
- Modelling
- Meshing & discretization
- Iteration

Basics of wind tunnels:
- Components (fan, diffuser, turning vanes, settling chamber, honey combs, screens, test section)
- Blockage factor
- Wall effects
- Scaled model testing
- Force measurements
- PIV (particle image velocimetry)

Discussion of the UCLA eco marathon design

Shell Eco Marathon - Aerodynamics course at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)

Shell Eco Marathon - Aerodynamics course at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)

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