CarBEN EV5 Open Source Project part 4 [Updated 10 May 11]

CarBEN EV5 open source project Part 3

CarBEN EV5 open source project Part 2

CarBEN EV5 open source project Part 1

Some new images of the SketchUp model (Mk 3.9) -- I've arched the trailing roofline -- there is 1-2" more headroom in the passengers seats now, and I think the air flow is better, too.  The roof just above the windshield is smoother, too.

I was also considering slightly elongated the front, as well, but I think the aero is better with it as it is?  On the (subtle) styling front, there are now two "hard chines" on the edges of the hatch door, and along with the "spine", the three together balance the three hard chines on the hood and front fenders.

Here's a video animation of the SketchUp model:

I'm working on a 1/4 scale model of CarBEN EV, which I am going to do some aerodynamic tuft testing -- or maybe in a wind tunnel?  If you have any leads on this, I would greatly appreciate it!

CarBEN EV 1/4, 1/12, and 1/24 scale models

CarBEN EV 1/4, 1/12, and 1/24 scale models

CarBEN EV 1/4, 1/12, and 1/24 scale models

CarBEN EV 1/4, 1/12, and 1/24 scale models

I'll be repairing / correcting with epoxy, and then doing tuft testing as soon as possible.  The slot in the front and the gaps in the back in particular, need to be filled in.

The 1/24 scale model (the purple and blue one) is what started it all -- I photographed it and then used these to loft the model in DataCAD X3, and then used that in SketchUp to make a 3D model.  The 1/12th scale egg crate model and the 1/4 scale EPS foam model are generated from the SketchUp 3D computer model I made.  After I do what aero testing as I can on the 1/4 scale model (maybe in a wind tunnel, too?), I will start on a full size shell; using foam ribs, with a 1/4" foam skin and then overlay that with epoxy fiberglass.  At that point, I hope to work with someone, to get it to a working prototype!

If you want me to send you the SketchUp model and/or the CAD drawings, please email me, or comment here, and I'd be happy to send it!

Edit: I've now done a couple of preliminary tuft tests!  Here are the (noisy) videos:

CarBEN EV5 by Neil Blanchard is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.