Getting started in Aerodynamics from scratch

[Astrand]

Hello everyone, I have been reading many topics here for a while now. I am a Computer Engineer with zero experience or knowledge of aerodynamics and car design. However I am in a point where I want to learn how to build and test a car design. All of this just as a hobby of course. Since I am already a graduate Its not in my interests to go back to college to learn aerodynamics, not that there are many courses like that here in Iceland.

So basically here is a plea, I have seen some answers here and there but I want to focus them all here. I am looking for places to learn. Online tutorials, books that can be bought in amazon. Recommendation on software for modeling, cfd testing. (I have a good budget to buy expensive software, though I am also interested in Open Source, being familiar with coding and software). Magazines, websites, etc, mostly related to F1 but guess many of it will apply to aerodynamics in general.

It will be greatly appreciated if someone can help me get an experienced eye on how to get started.

Thanks

Astrand

[Just_a_fan]

Hi,

For a beginner's guide to car aero, try Simon McBeath's "Competition Car Aerodynamics".
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Simon-McBeath/e ... r_dp_pel_1
It's very much aimed at the beginner but develops the concept in simple steps to give a reasonable overall understanding of the concept. Uses CFD visualisations to help understanding.

Also, try http://www.cfd-online.com for all things CFD. You can get lost in there for hours - I know because I did!!

I recently downloaded a bootable CAD/CFD environment. I'll try to remember to look out the details later when I get home from work. Haven't played with it yet as I'm busy doing a Master's degree in my "spare time". "Spare time", ah yes, I remember that...

[Astrand]

Thanks, I will look into the book, already added it to my cart (I usually wait for a couple of books before shipping them here). I have been looking into CFD Online thanks for the resource I will look more into it.

I am looking into a good modelling program, CAD is obviously the choice I had in mind, not sure if there are other alternatives for my scope (I am not looking to make models for any other reason at the time.)

[Just_a_fan]

http://caelinux.com/CMS/ for the bootable environment I mentioned.