Aero software...(figure out drag, rolling resistence, etc.)

InvisibleGold · 04-09-2006, 04:53 AM

Hi again,

Here's another tool I've been playing with. It basically helped me figure out that I don't need to take 200 lbs out of the car. (getting ready for Tour De Sol)...

It's called PowerCalc and is mostly targetted at bicycle riders. I have to admit that the user interface isn't as good as I would like (hence the reason I am still using the free version). Regardless, it is a fun addition to Excel when daydreaming about modifications.

http://www.machinehead-software.co.uk/

I have a screen grab and just initial scribblings (like what values I am using for the insight) at:

http://www.waiveris.com/projects/hondai ... csoftware/

-John

**IamIan** · 04-09-2006, 09:27 AM

nice....

basic and straight forward....

I have been looking for a program that works with a drawling program like AutoCad or something to let me figure out the change in aerodynamics of the insight from doing sertain modifications... so far haven't found anything in a good price range.

Mike Dabrowski 2000 · 04-09-2006, 10:38 AM

Hi John
Nice find, It seems to confirm the 9-10 HP at 60MPH that I rememberd reading.

InvisibleGold · 04-09-2006, 03:07 PM

Mike,

6-10 HP makes sense. Do you know of any resource that graphs HP to MPG? (perhaps I'll have to get it from a test). It would be cool to know what sort of change is required to hit lean burn at 5 mph faster.

So far from the modeling, it seems that even a significant change like dropping to .23 coefficient of drag (perhaps by dropping the side mirrors) only helps the top speed by 1.5 MPH.

-John