The Aerodynamic Efficiency Of A Cow

"hsv" (hsv)
09/03/2015 at 13:11 • Filed to: None

There’s nothing quite like placing random objects through some computational fluid dynamics software.

As we can see, the forehead of the cow experiences a zone of high pressure, since a lot of the air is deflected from the front of the nose and straight to the head. The forehead also sits in a very open position with nothing to deflect airflow from above, meaning it gets quite a lot of flow directed towards it - the manner in which the flow leaves the head is also slightly messy (not helped by the irregularity of its ears).

There are some interesting zones of low pressure, most notably around its underside - there is an opportunity for some ground effects there, especially around the back of the shank and the first cuts of the plate. The udder area doesn’t appear to be raked enough to form a real diffuser, but it could by useful nevertheless.

Photo credit to MarkHughes on imgur.

DISCUSSION (22)

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > hsv
09/03/2015 at 13:14

I had a gut feeling this aero package was ill-advised

Kinja'd!!!

450X_FTW > hsv
09/03/2015 at 13:17

Kinja'd!!!

I love how the udders act as a diffuser though. God must have done some serious design itterations to get that right

Scary__goongala! > hsv
09/03/2015 at 13:21

Simplify and produce milk?

hsv > Scary__goongala!
09/03/2015 at 13:22

Something like that.

RallyWrench > hsv
09/03/2015 at 13:26

The midseason update should lower the forehead, creating a channel for air to reach the new high downforce tail design. You’ll also see a new pair of slots at the high pressure area at the top of the front legs, which will be used for DRS bleed air for said wing.

deekster_caddy > hsv
09/03/2015 at 13:30

So it needs a downforce wing on the back to prevent tipping at high speeds? Or maybe some kind of valance on the chin?

hsv > deekster_caddy
09/03/2015 at 13:33

There’s middling to low pressure across the whole back end, but there are some signs of higher pressure at the top of the rear legs. Some kind of thigh winglets may suffice.

deekster_caddy > hsv
09/03/2015 at 13:34

They could be attached to the tail, and raised/lowered/angled as needed!

Gives a whole new meaning to ‘cow tipping’!

wiffleballtony > hsv
09/03/2015 at 13:41

Any variation on the Holstein or Gurnsey trim levels?

BorkBorkBjork > hsv
09/03/2015 at 14:54

So, how long will it take a cow in a tweed suit to fall off of Big Ben?

JRapp: now as good as new again > deekster_caddy
09/03/2015 at 15:11

But how does a full tank impact the aerodynamic efficiency? Does that added weight between the rear axle negate the need for any kind of downforce wing later in the race as the tank fills?

ZoopZoopLoops > hsv
09/03/2015 at 15:33

Is this how you got your BS in Mechanical Engineering?

The udders are creating a low pressure zone below the angus, therefore creating high downforce during high speed carving.

This is good Oppo.

hsv > ZoopZoopLoops
09/03/2015 at 15:53

The bottom sirloin leading into the flank is of particular interest. It looks to be a nice curve on this particular cattle, offering the possibility of vortex lift.

deekster_caddy > JRapp: now as good as new again
09/03/2015 at 16:29

It depends. If the udder gets larger, the aerodynamics underneath may actually create a high pressure area causing more lift. That’s why the tail-attached on-demand wing is such a brilliant idea!

JRapp: now as good as new again > deekster_caddy
09/03/2015 at 16:37

But wouldn’t some sort of an udder attached under-body valance be able to serve a similar purpose? That way the positioning of said valance could be done without additional power needed for moving the tail, as the udder would move on its own anyways?

deekster_caddy > JRapp: now as good as new again
09/03/2015 at 16:40

Hmm, the large the udder gets, the more downforce the valance generates. Now we are getting somewhere. Why are we racing cows again?

Kinja'd!!!