The effect of golfball-style dimples on aerodynamic surfaces has been studied in countless classrooms, and pondered in product development meetings, the world over.
Golf balls are inevitably the inspiration for most such conversations, as the tiny indentations on their surface are universally accepted as key to increased speed and lift in flight. The hope has always been that a similar texture applied to a race car, plane or speedboat would equally increase velocity. In fact, over a year ago I wrote about an automotive design contest where the winning entry wore dimples.
At the US Open this week Lexus is showing off a unique, bedimpled version of it LS 460L, clearly inspired by a golf ball. The surprising story of how this one-of-a-kind car came to be is told at Lexus Enthusiast.
If you attend the US Open you don't want to miss the the Lexus Performance Drive Tent where a number of new vehicles will be on display. Personally, I have my sights set on the new IS Convertible. In Mica Matador Red. Top down, clubs in the trunk... that's how I see my future.
It's now how you drive AND how you arrive.
ReplyDelete"Top down, clubs in the trunk... that's how I see my future."
ReplyDeleteI tried that once and got arrested.
Should've at least worn Under Armour.
And if that car gets hit and dented, the owner can leave it as is and just call it a big dimple.
ReplyDeleteDimples belong on golf balls, not cars.
ReplyDeleteDoes the driver expect to experience more or less spin?
you know - GG - this car would go well with that golf ball bra/bikini top you wrote up a few months back ! Get your bid in early. :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, Love the IS C but my husband promised me the RX Hybrid next year.
ReplyDeleteFrankly I don't know what I did to deserve that but I hope I can keep on doing it. :)))
OMG the IS C is gorgeous!!! Would you pick one up for me in Black? :o)
ReplyDeleteDimples have been proven scientifically to increase lift:
ReplyDeleteThe backspin created by striking the ball increases the speed on the upper surface of the ball while decreasing the speed on the lower surface.
From the Bernoulli principle (same thing that keeps your hard drive working, BTW) when the velocity increases pressure decreases.
Therefore, the pressure on the upper surface is less than the pressure on the lower surface of the ball.
This pressure differential results in a finite lift being applied to the ball which causes it to fly further.
Additionally, there is far less laminar flow over the irregular surface of a dimpled ball versus what one would see over a smooth one. The resultant turbulent flow has less resistance and thus less aerodynamic drag.
All basic fluid dynamics that one learns in their first or second year of engineering school. And yes, fluid dynamics covers aerodymanics too.
Not bedazzled by the bedimpled.
ReplyDeleteThat car is bound for the Closest to the Bin Contest, as in discount.
Interesting stuff, CB. I sure hope that car doesn't start spinning - but the spin rate won't be nearly high enough, even at highway speeds, to get much carry. Would you suggest just running it along the ground instead of going airborne ? :-)
ReplyDeletePat, be dimpled,
ReplyDeletePat, be quick,
Pat, jump over and grab that stick ...
Unless it's an automatic transmission.
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ReplyDeleteThat's worth golf ball car to drive.... Cool Lexus!
ReplyDelete