Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: thedoc on 16/07/2015 17:50:01

Title: How does air get into cars?
Post by: thedoc on 16/07/2015 17:50:01
Stephen asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Years ago there was a video showing how a car manufacturer was using robotic arms with gas sensors to test the air leakage of windscreens.

How do car manufacturers ensure that enough oxygenated air enters a modern car that might be heat proofed?

What do you think?
Title: Re: How does air get into cars?
Post by: alancalverd on 16/07/2015 19:37:48
The trick is to find an area where the air flow pressure is reasonable and install the ventilator inlet there. Computer modelling and wind tunnel tests will reveal the optimum positions for both inlet and exhaust (mild negative pressure) vents. In may cars the inlet is just below the windscreen and the outlet in the rear window pillars or below the rear window. 

Windscreen leakage is annoying (water and whistling noises) and potentially dangerous (inadequate sealing means inadequate fixing - the entire windscreen could implode if not properly fixed all round) as the windscreen is subject to the highest air pressure when moving.