Did the dimple car experiment work?
To keep the experiment consistent, all 1,082 dimples removed from the clay exterior were put in a box and then set in the back seat so that the car would weigh exactly the same as before dimpling. At constant 65 mph speed, the cleaner car gave 26 MPG and the dimpled one gave an amazing 29 MPG.
Does adding dimples to a car increase its gas mileage Mythbusters?
Yes. Apparently, covering your car in clay and dimpling it like a golf ball will result in a significant increase in gas mileage.
What was the independent variable in the dimpled car experiment?
0:171:20Part 1: Identify the Independent and Dependent Variables ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe independent variable is the difference between the control and experimental groups of anMoreThe independent variable is the difference between the control and experimental groups of an experiment.
Why do cars not have dimples in golf balls?
The dimples in a golf ball promote an earlier transition to turbulent flow and thus reduce the pressure drag of the golf ball, so it can fly further. In a car, the size is large enough to develop a turbulent boundary layer early on. Dimples would not help, but increase drag slightly.
Do golf ball dimples reduce drag?
Golf ball dimples reduce drag by creating a turbulent boundary layer flow around the ball. The boundary layer is defined as a thin layer of fluid dragged by the ball. By creating this turbulent boundary layer, the separation point decreases.
Do clean cars get better gas mileage?
While it might seem weird that a clean car can achieve better fuel economy, it's not. In fact, it really comes down to aerodynamics. The protruding dirt and debris on your car create a rougher surface for the outside air to flow around.
What did we change on the car independent variable?
0:006:14Part 1: Identify the Independent and Dependent Variables ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe independent variable is the difference between the control and experimental groups of anMoreThe independent variable is the difference between the control and experimental groups of an experiment.
What is the controlled variable of a car?
Dependent variable: the time it takes for the car to go down the slope. Controlled variable: the height of the slope, the car, the unit of time e.g. minutes and the length of the slope.
What is the dependent variable in this experiment?
The dependent variable is the variable that is being measured or tested in an experiment. 1 For example, in a study looking at how tutoring impacts test scores, the dependent variable would be the participants' test scores, since that is what is being measured.
Why do golf balls have 336 dimples?
Essentially, golfers would have little hope controlling a smooth golf ball. When dimples are added to a golf ball, it creates a tiny layer of air around the golf ball that significantly cuts down drag. This forces the air to flow over a larger portion of the ball, which results in a much smoother ball flight.How many dimples on a golf ball?https://golf.com › gear › how-many-dimples-on-a-golf-ballhttps://golf.com › gear › how-many-dimples-on-a-golf-ballSearch for: Why do golf balls have 336 dimples?
Do dimples make a car faster?
The theory is that, like a golf ball, the dimples would reduce the car's drag through the air, thus allowing it to travel the same distance at the same speed using less fuel.VIDEO: Mythbusters test golf ball-like dimpling effect on fuel economy ...https://www.autoblog.com › 2009/10/22 › mythbusters-g...https://www.autoblog.com › 2009/10/22 › mythbusters-g...Search for: Do dimples make a car faster?
Do dimples increase aerodynamics?
First, dimples allow air to flow more smoothly around a ball's surface, which decreases the wake and low-pressure area behind the ball, resulting in less drag. Second, the dimples increase lift by causing the air to move faster at the top of the ball, creating lower pressure there.Dimples, Drag and Lift: The Aerodynamics of Golf Ball Flighthttps://bridgegolffoundation.org › dimples-drag-lift-aerod...https://bridgegolffoundation.org › dimples-drag-lift-aerod...Search for: Do dimples increase aerodynamics?
The theory
The whole concept behind the dimples was creating less drag on the car, making it more efficient. And in theory, the less drag a car has the faster it can go. It’s one thing when applied to a car with an engine, it’s another thing applied to a gravity car like a Hot Wheels car. Not to mention, you have the scale to worry about.
The control
To start, I picked out two of the exact same car, the Nissan GT-R, and labeled them A and B. The Nissan looked like an average car that had a lot of metal surface to dimple.
Grab the drill
Once the control was set, I went to work on dimpling Car B. I had good intentions to keep the dimples evenly spaced and as close to golf ball pattern as possible, I even dotted the car with a Sharpie to help guide my dimples.
Dimpled vs. smooth
I ran 10 more races like I did before, alternating lanes between runs. Considering all the sloppy science going on here, I was honestly surprised by the results.
The unscientific results surprised me
I expected the results to be similar to the control races, both cars still being pretty much equal. I figured aerodynamics and drag at such a small scale wouldn’t make much impact. I don’t think I proved that it does, but I’m still surprised that the dimpled car won so many races. It was far more lopsided than I expected.
