Thus, this experiment shows that there is an aerodynamic effect with pinewood derby cars, and that the effect is significant.Īs a comparison, here are two other studies that show similar results:ġ. In other words, the heat times decreased in proportion to the surface area decrease. As you can see, the air barriers had a distinct, and virtually linear effect on the car’s performance. In addition, Figure 2 shows a plot of the front surface area of the car versus the performance. The results of the experiment are shown in the table below. All factors other than the air barriers were unchanged. This process was repeated 10 times, with all heat times captured by an accurate timer. The car was raced once without a air barrier, then with the small barrier, and finally with the large barrier. The car is 3/4 inch high, but can be equipped with a small air barrier which brings the height at the front of the car to 1-1/4 inches (same as raw BSA block), or with a large air barrier which brings the height to 1-3/4 inches (see Figure 1). In order to measure the effect of aerodynamics, I used a test car (previously described in Volume 3, Issue 6). Or can it?īut then I reviewed some (unpublished) testing done by Michael Lastufka and found that a distinct aerodynamic effect was measured. Certainly, air flow can’t slow down a car running at 10 MPH. This conclusion was drawn from reading several booklets (including speed tip booklets for sale over the internet), from comments made on web sites (e.g., “I’ll prove that aerodynamics play no part by running a plain block of wood in a race”), and from observing that the maximum speed of a pinewood derby car is only about 10 MPH. I have always believed that the effect of air flow over a moving pinewood derby car was slight to none. If so, what steps can be taken to minimize the effect? Does aerodynamics have any effect on pinewood derby cars?Ģ. In this article, we will answer the following questions:ġ. We have now arrived at the last of the big debates the importance of aerodynamics on pinewood derby cars. Value of canted wheels – discussed in Volume 3, Issue 6 Best lubricant – discussed in Volume 3, Issues 1 and 4ĥ. Best wheelbase – discussed in Volume 2, Issue 6Ĥ. Number of wheels on the ground – discussed in Volume 2, Issue 4ģ. Best weight position – discussed in Volume 2, Issue 4Ģ. As your recall, the big debates were introduced in 2002 and are as follows:ġ.
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