Wind tunnels have been a longstanding tool in the realm of designing and assessing the aerodynamic and energy efficiency aspects of vehicles. However, Ford has taken a step further by integrating cutting-edge wind tunnel technology with a vehicle-sized treadmill, propelling the creation of its next generation of production vehicles, including the impressive all-new Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
Duly equipped to emulate wind and road surface velocities reaching a staggering 200 mph, the Rolling Road Wind Tunnel (RRWT) offers comprehensive testing capabilities for both efficient and performance-oriented vehicles across Ford’s entire lineup. This encompasses the forthcoming iteration of Ford’s electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles.
One pivotal advantage of the RRWT lies in its provision of more precise and reliable data concerning wind drag and downforce, surpassing the capabilities of prior wind tunnel designs. These two factors are pivotal when it comes to optimizing vehicle range and overall efficiency. Moreover, this technology facilitates increased in-house testing, emulating real-world driving conditions and subsequently curtailing design costs while expediting the overall design process.
Introducing a novel five-belt rolling road system, Ford can now replicate real-world drag scenarios through a dynamic rolling road aerodynamic tunnel. This unique feature allows the road to be brought to the vehicle, rather than necessitating the transportation of the vehicle to a designated test location.
To ascertain optimal aerodynamic performance, each wheel is individually assigned a belt, constituting the first four belts of the system. Complementing these, a substantial fifth belt runs beneath the center of the vehicle. When transitioning between the five-belt and single belt systems, a crane is employed, resembling an industrially-scaled plug-and-play mechanism. The single belt, capable of operating at speeds of up to 200 mph, unlocks a new frontier of testing specifically tailored for high-speed performance vehicles.
In conclusion, Ford’s innovative integration of the latest wind tunnel technology with a vehicle-sized treadmill is revolutionizing the design and testing processes for their upcoming generation of vehicles. With the RRWT’s enhanced accuracy in measuring wind drag and downforce, alongside its ability to replicate open-road conditions, Ford is poised to achieve remarkable advancements in vehicle range, efficiency, and performance. By ingeniously bringing the road to the vehicle, they have redefined the boundaries of aerodynamic testing, ensuring the production of exceptional high-speed performance vehicles for the future.
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#WindTunnelRevolution
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