Authors: Dr. Ramesh Ayyanar
Abstract: The increasing demand for high-speed vehicles in both terrestrial and aerospace transportation has led to significant research efforts aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag. Drag is a primary force that opposes motion through a fluid medium, contributing to energy loss, reduced speed, and increased fuel consumption. This paper discusses the principles of aerodynamic drag, its impact on high-speed vehicles, and various strategies employed for drag reduction. Emphasis is placed on passive and active control techniques, surface modifications, vehicle body design, and emerging technologies such as plasma actuators and morphing surfaces. Case studies of high-speed trains, race cars, and aircraft are examined to illustrate practical implementations. The paper concludes by identifying current challenges and potential future research directions for sustainable, efficient, and high-performance vehicle design.
Keywords: aerodynamic drag, drag reduction, high-speed vehicles, turbulence control, surface modification, vehicle aerodynamics, energy efficiency.
Full Issue
| View or download the full issue | PDF 160-166 |