What are the main reasons for the gradual changes in car body shapes?
1 Answers
There are three fundamental elements that determine the shape of a car: mechanical engineering, ergonomics, and aerodynamics. The first two elements play a significant role in defining the basic framework of a car's structure, especially during the initial design phase, where they impose greater constraints. Below are the detailed reasons: 1. Mechanical Engineering: As a vehicle, the primary requirements are the ability to move and durability. With this as a prerequisite, the elements of mechanical engineering must first be considered, including the internal design of the engine and transmission. To enable a car to function, it must be equipped with an engine, transmission, wheels, brakes, radiators, and other components. Moreover, consideration must be given to where these components should be installed within the body to optimize the car's performance. Once these designs are finalized, the approximate framework of the car body can be determined based on the size of the engine and transmission and the type of drive. For mass production, emphasis is placed on cost reduction, simplifying the stamping process for body panels, and ensuring ease of maintenance, so that the body can be easily repaired even after a collision. All of the above fall under the scope of mechanical engineering. 2. Ergonomics: Since cars are driven by humans, safety and comfort must be ensured. Priority should be given to securing passenger space, ensuring a comfortable ride and easy driving, and maximizing the driver's field of vision. Additionally, ease of entry and exit and vibration reduction must be considered. These are all aspects related to ergonomics when designing the car's shape. When determining the car's shape, external constraints, particularly aerodynamic elements, become critically important, especially in recent years as engine power has increased, road conditions have improved, and car speeds have significantly risen. 3. Aerodynamics: A car moving at high speed will inevitably encounter air resistance. The magnitude of air resistance increases roughly in proportion to the square of the speed. Therefore, efforts must be made to minimize air resistance through the car's shape. Air resistance is divided into frontal resistance, determined by the car's cross-sectional area, and shape resistance, determined by the car's body shape. Beyond air resistance, there are also issues of lift and crosswind instability. These are all aerodynamic problems closely related to car styling.
