Deflectors Research Guide

Deflectors Research Guide Glossary Terms

• Aerodynamic
• Alloy
• Chromium
• Condensation
• Drag
• Entomology
• Etching
• Pitting

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.