Wind tunnel tests of the stability of vehicles in severe winds

We have observed in field work after tornadoes that vehicles may remain upright with little damage at sites where mobile homes were destroyed and occupants were killed. Our previous research has compared Fujita-scale of damage to frame homes with movement and damage to vehicles parked outside those houses when the tornado struck. Results showed vehicles were less likely to be moved, rolled over, or destroyed by tornadoes than previously assumed. Vehicles are designed to be stable in high winds while traveling down the highway and now have with numerous safety innovations for protecting occupants in a crash. To further examine the relative safety and stability of vehicles in severe winds, models of a mid-size sedan and a minivan were placed in the wind tunnel at Wichita State University. The aerodynamic features of the vehicles were assessed at various wind speeds and angles of attack of the wind. The analyses compare the relative stability of each type of vehicle at various wind angles on the vehicle and the minimum wind speeds for lifting or rolling the vehicles. The results may lead to improved severe wind safety recommendations in our automobile-oriented society.