History

• The aerodynamic properties of early experimental aircraft were first tested in the late 1800s. Nearly 100 years passed before this same technology was applied to testing the aerodynamic properties of cars. Up until then, cars had been tested using computer simulations.
  
  

Function

• Aerodynamic efficiency is important in automotive design for several reasons. Less fuel is required when there is less drag created by wind resistance. Cars are also tested in wind tunnels to measure how much noise is created inside the cabin when driving at certain speeds.
  
  

Result

• Due to testing cars in wind tunnels, we now have more aerodynamic cars that offer a quieter driving experience. Computer simulation was a good start, but it did not compare to the accuracy of wind tunnel testing.