Aerodynamics and the 3 D’s of Speed

Aerodynamics is the study of how air flows around an object, such as cars and
airplanes. NASCAR engineers study aerodynamics to improve the speed and
safety of their racecars.

During the video

1. What are the two most important parts of racing? And Why?
2. What are the 3 D’s of speed?
3. What is drag?
4. What is downforce?
5. What does downforce do for drivers?
6. What is the purpose of drafting?

During Activity

What did you observe? How does it apply to

Example: What did the paper aerodynamics or the 3 D’s of
do? Did it move slowly? Did it speed?
move quickly? How many
seconds did it take to hit the
floor?

Flat Paper Activity

Crumbled Ball

After Activity Writing Response

Aerodynamics doesn’t only apply to objects. What sports can you think of in which people might
bend to give their bodies less surface area or spread their bodies to make more surface area?
Explain how aerodynamics benefits athletes.
 What is Drag?
During Drag Video
Write down key concepts to remember from the video:

Start Your Engines!

Distance Traveled Without Index Card Distance Traveled WITH Index Card

Test Run 1

Test Run 2
Car Activity Conclusion
Answer these questions on your own, not with your pit crew.

1. Which car went further? Explain why you think this happened.
2. How did adding the index card effect the car’s drag?
3. Why might NASCAR engineers modify racecars to create the type of drag your
racecar experienced? Look at the Racecar adaptions sheet for clues

High Pressure and Low Pressure Challenge

Directions: Using the color bar below, Identify areas of the car that experience high pressure
and low pressure. Provide a reasoning for why.

Response:
PIT CREW CHALLENGE

1. Explain how one of the above features labeled (on Resource Sheet A) increases
or decreases drag.
2. What design(s) could you potentially use to help the car you design in the
future? Explain..
 Aerodynamics Through the Times
Directions: With your groups, read through the book “Design Line: Planes, Trains, and
Automobiles” by Chris Oxlade and illustrated by Mike Lemanski to identify at least three
aerodynamic transportation vehicles that are at least 10 years apart from each other
(30 year time span).

In the vehicle slot, include the make, model, type, and year. In the description of
vehicle, include how it is aerodynamic with your citations.

Vehicle Description

How have aerodynamics changed through the years based off of your examples?