SAE International Recommended Practice Measures Aerodynamic Performance for Mass-Produced Cars and Light-Duty Trucks
WARRENDALE, Pa., Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SAE International's J2881: Measurement of Aerodynamic Performance for Mass-Produced Cars and Light-Duty Trucks, is a recommended practice providing a comprehensive overview of successful, aerodynamic testing and measurement practices in a full-scale wind tunnel.
J2881: Measurement of Aerodynamic Performance for Mass-Produced Cars and Light-Duty Trucks details procedures to measure the aerodynamic performance of passenger vehicles, such as mass-produced cars and light-duty trucks intended primarily for individual consumers.
Aerodynamic performance – primarily the aerodynamic drag coefficient (CD) – relies significantly on vehicle content and loading, as well as the type, scale and simulation qualities of the wind tunnel used to make the measurement. The recommended practice is critical to the automotive industry because publication of non-standard test results generates an incorrect perception of a vehicle's anticipated aerodynamic performance by government, academia, and the general public.
J2881 is used by manufacturers for measurement and documentation for a particular vehicle. The intent is to promote uniform test protocols and traceable results of published aerodynamic performance. "As fuel economy standards become more stringent and fuel prices continue to increase, aerodynamic performance naturally becomes a more prominent part of the product development process," said Dr. Joel Walter, sponsor of J2881 and Chairman of the Road Vehicle Aerodynamics Committee. "We are combining the best practices of automotive wind tunnels around the world so that J2881 will provide a meaningful metric for both consumers and manufacturers. We anticipate seeing published or advertised aerodynamic performance as 'measured according to SAE J2881' just as we already do with J1349 for engine horsepower. Doing so will provide a better picture for the consumer and also enhance the reputation and credibility of the aerodynamics discipline."
To order, J2881: Measurement of Aerodynamic Performance for Mass-Produced Cars and Light-Duty Trucks, visit: http://standards.sae.org/j2881_201006 .
SAE International is a global association of more than 128,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries. SAE International's core competencies are life-long learning and voluntary consensus standards development. SAE International's charitable arm is the SAE Foundation, which supports many programs, including A World In Motion® and the Collegiate Design Series.
- www.sae.org -
Contact: Shawn Andreassi of SAE International, 1-724-772-8522 or [email protected]
SOURCE SAE International
Share this article