I wonder how many times they did the experiment. How did they measure fuel consumption? I'm surprised that the dimples would be scaleable from golf ball size. And wouldn't the dimples on the top creates some lift at highway speeds? This would be bad.
Dimple your car skin for mpg
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/mythbusters-golf-ball-like-dimpling-mpg/#
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPe1kk8A65g
Full video is in the link, here's a previewThe show's team completely covered a last-gen Ford Taurus with modelers clay and figured out that it would achieve about 26 mpg at a constant 65 mph. They then went about adding over 1,000 dimples to the car's exterior. To keep the experiment consistent, all 1,082 dimples removed from the clay exterior were put in a box and set in the back seat so that the car would weigh exactly the same as before dimpling. The theory is that, like a golf ball, the dimples would reduce the car's drag through the air, thus allowing it to travel the same distance at the same speed using less fuel. The result? Over 29 mpg.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPe1kk8A65g
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
I really like the show but they're special effects experts...they say they do plenty of stuff that isn't aired and helps explain things but still...if this really does work I wouldn't mind having it on my car.
For extra points, calculate the Reynolds number 
If it really works, why haven't car makers done it yet?
If it really works, why haven't car makers done it yet?
:ugh sure! Is it 42?For extra points, calculate the Reynolds number
If it really works, why haven't car makers done it yet?
LOL! 42 is always the right number!:ugh sure! Is it 42?
Homer Simpon's speed holes anyone?
i remember hearing about some company making a roll on vinyl dimple sheet so you could apply this to your car... i forget where but i think it might have been popular science (the magazine). so it really does work and there are companies out there looking to do this for cheap.
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
VW TDI forum, Audi, Porsche, and Chevy Cruze Diesel forum
A forum community dedicated to Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, and all turbo diesel owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, TDI, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
kksniper
20 Replies
David A. McDow
5 Replies
Touringtest
4 Replies
Recommended Communities
