'Streeamlings'???

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How did that make it past spell check?

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(btw, The video is enjoyable, even if just for hearing the interesting lingo.)

Very interesting.

I attended training classes at the Army Corps of Engineers in Mississippi and they used scale models of proposed construction/alterations in various water projects to verify the feasibility/design flaws prior to construction. Expensive, probably so, but a very minor cost if compared to a poor or inadequate design and the unintended consequences that could result. Some of the scale models were of such size that the effects of the project could be monitored miles upstream and downstream of the project.

The detail was so accurate, it was almost being like a kid in a toy factory to see some of the scale models the were being used for various projects, as well as the instrumentation being used for documentation.

Very interesting.

To what scale were the models built?

Was the modeled dirt/sand to scale?

Did they use water, or perhaps some other fluid to minimize the scaling effects?

I was attending Earthwork Quality Verification classes in the late 80's/early 90's and tried to visit the models as much as I could. I thought that would be the best job in the world to make a living at. The models were built in quonset huts/metal buildings of various sizes, so I assume the models were scaled to the space available. (or possibly constructed for a particular project) Some of the models were quite large, meandering through the interior of the buildings with walkways over various areas. The base for the models were constructed of lumber/steel pipe/with some type of plaster /fiberglass used as a base and intricate features. Piers and docks were scaled in wood. I'm not sure what medium was used to replicate the dirt/sand to measure the effects and erosion implications of the proposed construction/alterations.

Since one of the main purposes for building the models was to measure and minimize the erosion effects the project might cause, I'm sure that every minute detail of any and all embankments and shorelines were meticulously represented to scale in the model. Much like the scale model of the auto, small flags would indicate the current and eddy flow of the running water at various points.

What amazed me was the detail and quality of the work in the construction of the models, true artisans, as well as the details of the various changes/effects by the engineers and the documentation of every minute detail.

I'll have to look around for the photo's that I took of the various projects. Since they are all of public works projects, I wouldn't think there would be anything that would be considered classified. If I can find the photo's, I'll post a few.

That is fascinating. I would love to see something like that in person.

I looked for the photo's that I took at Vicksburg, but couldn't find them.

There is a short video on You Tube "Waterways Station-1975" that documents some of their work and scope. The video shows the immense size of some of the scale models.

I was totally overwhelmed by the scope, details, and craftsmanship in the work being accomplished there. Attention to detail wasn't just a phrase, it was a way of life!!!

I had that exact (well I had the two door model) '36 Chevy when I was in High School. Yup, coolest car in school but it was NOT streamlined! Of course it would not go over about 80mph with the original 6cyl engine. Talk about a brick in the wind!

A lot of the car designs in the 1950's, 60's and even a little into the 70's streamlining was little more than what I have heard called, "arrow dynamic". I asked the fellow who used the term, what it meant. I was told that it means that the car is pointed on the front.

He explained that he used this term to describe a design apparently done primarily by the styling group. It may have been to a wind tunnel but only to make sure it would not turn turtle at speed or fly off the track.

I thought this was an astute observation at the time, not to mention very funny in a cynical sort of way.

If you think that after the 70's cars ceased to be designed by 'styling groups', and that the wind tunnel results have dominated design decisions since then.....

.....you might want to take a look under your automobile.

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There is much effort put in making the parts you typically look at appear sleek. The portions of the auto you don't look at often don't really get the same treatment.

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Even on the typically exposed areas, there are also numerous style driving characteristics that clearly detrimental to achieving the lowest drag:

no covers over the rear wheel wells, grossly over-sized front grills, rounded rear of the car (preventing clean separation), and fenders and mud flaps non conducive to smooth reattachment of flow.

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Style teams are still fully in control for most cars produced. They have been doing a better job of making the cars look like the present less wind resistance.

It would appear to me that streamlining has run it's course. How much more can a design be tweaked? It seems that automobile designers are all on the same page when it comes to streamlining. They have reached the point where any additional improvement will result in exponentially higher cost.

I will believe that when I see new cars coming out with stream lined undersides. Covering up all of the oddly shaped bits under the vehicle has to make a significant difference. As I see it, adding a streamlined under pan would cost little more than the price of the sheet metal.

You mention sheet metal pans. They have been around for a long time; along with many other tricks, but no one seems to want to combine them all in one design. It's just the world record challengers for fuel economy that do it. Race cars use belly pans.

You are right about that. I realize that normal road vehicles would likely have cooling issues unless specifically designed to work with a belly pan. I still see no reason it could not be done. The drag reduction would probably be very significant.

I have no real evidence to support the hypothesis other than, racers would not add to the weight and complication of their vehicles if it did not produce a significant advantage.

Under body pans ans skid plates are common on off road vehicles but the down side to those are they are a real pain to clean out which needs to be done every so often or you will end up wit dirt and road crud that just sits there and rots your expensive electrical lines components and under body parts.

What small gains they may make for MPG numbers and cost over the lifetime of the vehicle will be greatly offset in your first major repair due to under body rot issues.

Man, I replied to your #9 before I read the other comments.....

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You know besides the underside of the car, there are some other areas that could be much improved as well. The two that come immediately to mind are

side view mirrors (Use cameras and put the display inside the car between the driver and either A pillar.) This can reduce both Cd and frontal area.

wheel wells. It shouldn't be hard to effectively fill the gaps and still maintain easy access.

My 2013 Prius even has special little shapes on the headlights to direct air flow around the side view mirrors!They seem to come up with new small things all the time.