The entire purpose of this experiment was to compare the difference between a base model car and a car with an automotive airfoil attached. From this experiment, we want to understand more about how lift and drag work on an application such as an aero package on a car. Also, with this, gaining more knowledge of the basics of fluid mechanics and dynamics like pressure differences, manometers, and coffins. These are crucial areas of study for mechanical engineers and are vital to creating excellent and sophisticated designs and projects, such as studying a model car and how it is affected by lift and drag from an airfoil. Overall, as the experiment progressed, it was found that the drag and lift coefficient was expected, and it was just a real moment to see how the experiment and tests could provide and conclude a real-world application like the model car and its entirety. All of this is important because it shows how important a proper car design has to be when it comes down to its aerodynamic features and creations when implementing more efficient ways to cause downforce.

We desired to know how our personal project interest inspired our final ideas. Also, how it keeps us involved with the project's relationship to environmental issues & Concerns; ultimately, this will keep us on task to achieve our project goals.

Tyler’s Interest:

I have been surrounded by cars and automotive aero my whole life. My grandpa worked as a manufacturing aerospace engineer, which inspired me to become an engineer and proceed with this project. I have had countless exposers with my grandpa while working on improving the aerodynamics of a model or item. I was always inspired by how to improve the performance of some applications, thus being a model car for the experiment. This concludes my desire to work in a company's performance division and strive to be the best I can be.

Mario’s Interest:

From a young age, I've been fascinated by cars. Whether it be toys, tools, or assisting my dad with our family vehicle. My passion for the automotive world grew as I grew older, leading me to pursue a major in Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University. This decision was driven by the desire to transform my childhood hobby into a fulfilling career, taking advantage of Kettering's opportunities. When this project was introduced, I was thrilled at the prospect of merging my interests with my academic pursuits. The chance to apply my lifelong enthusiasm for cars and the skills and knowledge I’ve gained at Kettering was exciting. This project presented an opportunity to dive into the engineering aspects of performance enhancers for automobiles, an area that aligns perfectly with my interests. Additionally, I am currently working on getting my car track-ready. Observing and understanding the benefits of adding an airfoil as part of this project has been particularly exciting. It directly applies what I'm learning to a personal project, further fueling my enthusiasm for automotive engineering. This project has contributed to my academic success and deepened my passion for enhancing vehicle performance through engineering innovations. Overall, this experience has been rewarding, intertwining my educational goals with my lifelong love for cars and engineering. It has solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in the automotive industry, where I can continue to innovate and improve vehicle performance.

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Click here to view Tyler's personal essay.

Click here to view Mario's personal essay.