Aurel Persu: A Pioneer in Automotive Aerodynamics

Aurel Persu: A Pioneer in Automotive Aerodynamics

Aurel Persu, a Romanian engineer and designer, made a groundbreaking contribution to the field of aerodynamics in 1922 with his innovative vehicle. The car’s design, which featured wheels tucked into the bodywork, marked a significant departure from the conventional open-wheeled vehicles that dominated the automotive landscape at that time.

Early Life and Education

Persu’s journey into aerodynamics began in the early 1900s when he graduated from Charlottenburg Higher Technical School in Berlin. During World War I, he expanded his knowledge by studying both aerodynamics and aircraft. After returning to Berlin following the war, Persu applied his expertise to create a revolutionary vehicle that would change the face of automotive design.

Innovative Design Features

The car was designed with two tubes connected by an arched roof. Key features included:

  • Passenger Compartment: Passengers sat inside one tube.
  • Engine Placement: Engines were positioned outside another tube behind the passengers.

This unique design was granted a patent for its innovative approach to reducing drag and improving speed.

Performance and Impact

Despite its unusual appearance, Persu’s vehicle proved to be surprisingly fast. It reportedly reached speeds of up to 62 mph without any windscreen or side windows. Its low drag coefficient – estimated at around 0.22-0.20 – suggests that it could have been quite fast given its streamlined design.

Persu’s work on aerodynamics paved the way for future innovations in automotive design. His focus on reducing drag and improving speed laid the foundation for modern cars’ sleek designs and high-performance capabilities.

Conclusion

Persu’s creation is an important milestone in automotive history, and it continues to inspire innovation in transportation technology today.

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