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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/L94376/01
Title: AEROSTABLE CARBON CAR: A WHOLE VEHICLE DESIGN AND TEST
Principal Investigator: Cordey-Hayes, Professor M
Other Investigators:
Garry, Professor K Mills, Mr AR
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Aztec Group Cranfield Impact Centre Ltd Lotus Cars Ltd
Pre Nexus Migration Reynarn Motorsport and Racing Cars
Department: Transport Studies
Organisation: Cranfield University
Scheme: LINK
Starts: 01 January 1998 Ends: 31 December 1999 Value (£): 278,222
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Aerodynamics
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
This project examines potential aerodynamic limitation to whole vehicle weight decompounding in the design of a functionally consistent 2 sear car capable of 150mpg. The high passive safety, least weight, low drag (Cd0.17 target) configuration created cross-wind stability problems. It is hypothesized that base drag reduction of 30-50% can be gained by management of rearward radiators and other potential wake flow resources to achieve the target Cd. This approach has not been applied before to an already low drag body shape. A range of ways to minimised cross-wind problems are hypothesized. 1. reducing front suctions by means of available air pressures in the wheel arches and opposed side;2. rearward movement of the center of the lateral pressure in the wheel arches and opposed side;scale and full scale vehicle. Weight decompounding is based on carbon fibre spaceframe and small engine to give target kerb mass of 500 kg +/- 50kg.Potential vehicle users are involved in the design and assessment of the vehicle.
Key Findings
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.cranfield.ac.uk