American Ingenuity Cuts the Drag
Georgia Tech Engineer here, http://gtresearchn ews.gatech.edu/new srelease/truckfuel .htm I sat in on a presentation of Dr. Englar's a few years ago. Using "bolt-on " modifications they were able to reduce drag by 10%. These results have been duplicated and verified by other testers. As a homework assignment me and some classmates modified my S-10 pickup with nothing more than duck tape (not metallic duct tape) and cardboard to improve fuel economy by a similar margin (20mph before to 23mph after). We tested it over the course of several nights on I-285 by doing laps, non-stop, with the cruise control set by GPS and measured fuel burn. If designers stopped going for pure style (Challenger, Charger, Mustang) and started actually considering the forces that affect fuel economy then a lot of cars would be able to match a Prius for economy. In a more extreme case, by tailoring custom bodywork to the tractor-trailer and using active blowing Dr. Englar's his team was able to reduce drag by half! That means a tractor-trailer would go from 6mpg to nearly 11mpg. Rolling resistance keeps the aerodynamic drag reduction from being a one-to-one improvement. If you search the internet you'll see other reports and testing on trucks by Michigan, Auburn, Cal Tech, etc. And about the MIT comment...get real. If you want someone to design the best little widget with an ample budget, call MIT. If you want a robust system of devices designed to handle changing scenarios, call Ga Tech. www.gatech.edu And I'm a helluva engineer! (May 9, 2008 | post #18)
Lower Gas Prices or Lower Air Quality?
Where did you see that prediction? (Apr 29, 2008 | post #5)
Fuel Prices Invading Your Lawn
My lawn is small enough that I can use a mower that doesn't use gas, or even electricity. I got a Scotts 20" reel mower from Home Depot a few weeks ago (before the grass got too tall) and it has been great! I can mow in the early morning or at night when I don't need to put on sun screen and no one hears me. It's also really nice not to be covered in dust and grass clippings when I'm done. (Apr 24, 2008 | post #8)
Two Injured in Small Plane Crash
It was quick thinking on the pilot's part that kept them from being dead in the trees. There are two types of pilots: those that are about to experience and engine outage and those who have survived an outage. (doesn't apply to jet liners) (Apr 23, 2008 | post #3)
Panhandling In Atlanta On the Rise?
Before you rip on liberals, remember that your grand parents pay for the medicine with help from programs started by the liberal side. My grandparents vote republican but require Medicare to pay for everything. They are too old to be consistent. Don't fall into that trap either. (Apr 22, 2008 | post #13)
Father, AAA Driver, Killed in Fiery Wreck
Selfish behavior behind the wheel. If you know someone who you think drives dangerously, TELL THEM!! Some just have no clue how bad they are until someone else makes a big deal about it. (Apr 21, 2008 | post #4)
Chief Fires Cop Accused of Rape
I think if we show support to the Police Chief (written letters, etc.) for his decision that it will send a message to other police chiefs. Every cop took the oath of public service, but sometimes they get caught up in the politics of their work. This leads to police chiefs that let politics get in the way of doing the right thing. I'm glad to see someone stand for what's right. A cop's behavior in uniform should be beyond reproach. Go Dwayne!! (Apr 9, 2008 | post #41)
Driver Faces Judge, Report Released
I was almost ejected from a vehicle. The seat broke off from the floor due to the impact. The seatbelt did keep me inside the vehicle though, I had the bruises to show it, and the force involved. Either they weren't wearing seat belts or the make and model of the SUV should be released so people can avoid it, just like you should avoid 1993 Ford Explorers. Family car my **** with a 3-star rear-end crash rating. (Apr 4, 2008 | post #226)
Driver Faces Judge, Report Released
How were 4 people ejected if they were wearing a seatbelt? Reminds me of that van that flipped in Utah last summer with 10 people inside. 9 were killed, all ejected from the van. The only one not killed was the driver, who also was wearing a seatbelt. You'd think Princes Diana would have taught everyone about wearing a seatbelt. The only people that survived the most famous car wreck of all time were wearing their seat belts, including the driver, who's side the impact was on. (Apr 4, 2008 | post #225)
State Lawmakers Go After Bullies
I also hear about people saying the problem is that the younger generations are to blame. But whose responsibility was it to teach respect to the children? When a kid goes on a rampage they want to blame violence in the media. However, isn't it the responsibility of the parents, members of previous generation, to teach respect? (Mar 27, 2008 | post #12)
Jets have onboard de-icing coming from hot compressor bleed air. The systems can deal with freezing rain, so frost is nothing to these planes. (Mar 21, 2008 | post #4)
'I Thought It Was the End of Time'
See! Bikes are great for your health! (Mar 18, 2008 | post #5)
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