Nose Cone Analysis

For my IB Physics Extended Essay, I investigated how the bluntness of a nose cone affects its coefficient of drag in a controlled airflow environment. Using 3D-printed power series nose cones of varying shapes, I conducted wind tunnel experiments to measure drag forces and analyze aerodynamic efficiency. My research applied fluid dynamics principles to explore how geometry influences form drag, comparing experimental results with published studies for validation. The findings showed that both extremely blunt and sharply pointed cones generated higher drag, while moderately rounded designs achieved greater aerodynamic efficiency. This project deepened my understanding of aerodynamics and experimental physics, an essential foundation for my pursuit of motorsport engineering.