STYLING AND AERODYNAMICS OF BUSES
Not only functional and economic characteristics but also aesthetic properties influence the competitiveness of buses. The article summarises the aspects governing their design. Even considering the importance of space utilisation, there is a great potential for improving the appearance and aerodynamics of the brick–shaped bodies. The possibilities of drag reduction are analysed and an add–on device, the front spoiler, is proposed to reduce the drag of buses. The investigation of the flow phenomena shows that the underbody flow affects the flow field past the bus significantly. The mud and dust deposition on the side walls and the base can be reduced by appropriate shaping of the bus body and by using add–on devices. Concerning the problems of wind tunnel experiments, the article deals with the simulation of moving ground and the flow around the leading edges.