Cone-Flo
Partnered with Hyundai Motor Group
Cone-FLO is an aerodynamic indicator that visualizes airflow direction, separation, and speed in real time.
Inspired by the folding structure of a ginkgo leaf, it was developed for the Hyundai x RISD Collaborative Regeneration Studio.
The system provides immediate, energy-efficient data without relying on costly computational fluid dynamics.
Time, Money, and Energy
Computational Fluid Dynamics, specifically for testing on cars, can cost between $600 and $2,900 per run, according to Airshaper Online Aerodynamics software.
In addition to that, these simulations can take up to 24hrs and use excessive amounts of energy.
This project aimed to develop an energy efficient way to study a vehicle's aerodynamics with instant results.
How might we…
test the Aerodynamics of a car without software?
Existing solutions: Tufting.
Tufting a car includes taping pieces of wool to the surface of the car to help visualize direction of airflow and areas of separated flow.
Tufting a car falls short as it cannot record areas of changing airflow magnitude (which areas are faster).
Design Aim
Design a device that picks up where tufting falls short—an indicator that visualizes airflow direction, separation, speed.
How does nature…
The ginkgo leaf naturally shifts from a broad, flat surface (ideal for capturing sunlight) to a tightly folded cone during strong winds.
This behavior likely evolved to reduce drag on the tree’s branches. Because the leaf’s form changes with varying wind speeds, it effectively acts as a natural air-speed indicator.
