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Bug Deflectors Research Guide

Bug Deflectors Research Guide Glossary Terms

Aerodynamic
Alloy
Chromium
Condensation
Drag
Entomology
Etching
Pitting

Bug Deflectors Research Guide Glossary Definitions

Aerodynamic: An aerodynamic design reduces air resistance, which in turn increases fuel efficiency and top speeds. These designs often feature curved, rounded surfaces rather than flat ones because the air can pass over a sleek shape with less resistance.
Alloy: When a base metal, such as aluminum or iron, is combined with additional elements, the resulting metal mixture is called an alloy. The advantage of an alloy metal is that its basic ingredients are greatly enhanced when blended together. For example, brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. When the two elements are separate, they are less durable and not as attractive as when they are combined to form brass.
Chromium: Chromium is the 24th element on the periodic table, and it is the main ingredient in stainless steel. In fact, the reason that stainless steel is so resilient to rust, corrosion and tarnish is because of the high chromium content, at least 10.5%.
Condensation: Condensation is basically a fancy word for the sweat that forms on a cold can of soda. However, it also refers to the actual physical transformation that takes place to generate that layer of dew. Here's how it works: the air that surrounds us is full of moisture, which is just water in gaseous form. When air cools, the relative humidity rises, saturating the air with more and more moisture. If cooled enough, the moisture actually shifts from its gaseous state back into a liquid, which then gathers on the surface of surrounding objects.
Drag: Drag is the word for air resistance that slows down your vehicle while driving. The effect is more pronounced at higher speeds. Drag is reduced by aerodynamic shaping such as curved edges that reduce the air caught by your vehicle.
Entomology: Also known as "eekology" by the squeamish, entomology is the study of bugs and their bizarre characteristics. Although interest in insects goes all the way back to prehistoric times, the scientific inquiry into bugs didn't begin until the 16th century (aka the Renaissance, or the "rebirth" of classical humanism). Some of the more notable entomologists include Albrecht Durer, Charles Darwin and even Vladimir Nabokov, who specialized in lepidoptery (the study of butterflies).
Etching: Etching is a process of deterioration when acid eats away at metal. Bug guts contain a lot of acid, which will etch into an automobile's finish if left unwashed for 48 hours or more. Etching also has practical uses. Artists from Rembrandt to Pablo Picasso have used an acid etch printmaking technique to create staggering works of genius.
Pitting: Like etching, pitting is a localized type of metal corrosion that causes small cavities or pock marks on your vehicle's surface. When rocks, gravel and other airborne debris smash into your automobile, they can leave pieces behind at the site of the collision. These embedded impurities lead to oxidation, which then causes holes in your finish.

Fun Factoid Check this out

A Guide to Defogging Your Windshield

Visibility is crucial when you're sitting behind the wheel, and nothing blinds drivers like a bad case of windshield fog. Of course, that cloudy film on your vehicle's glass is not fog at all–it's actually condensation. Here's how it works: your automobile's glass is chilled as you drive, but your cabin is warmed by your body heat or your vehicle's heater. When these two different barometric pressures collide, moisture condenses on the surface of the glass.

There are a number of techniques for removing fog from your windshield. The classic fix is to roll your windows down. The fresh air will help evaporate the moisture and balance out the temperature difference between outside and inside your vehicle. An even more effective method is to turn on your front defrosters, along with your air conditioner. The AC will strip the moisture from the air and clear up your windshield.

You can even take preventative measures to stop fog before it has a chance to form. Here's an easy recipe for some home-brewed anti-fog juice: mix 2 ounces of white vinegar with a quart of warm water in a bowl. Dunk a lint-free towel into the concoction and apply it to your pre-cleaned windows. After it dries, it will block condensation from collecting on your glass. It even works great on bathroom mirrors and scuba masks.