LYNX Presentation :: Update: 4/25/11
LYNX: Winter Weather Research Vehicle
'D.O.W.' Image courtesy of Center for Severe Weather Research
The LYNX is a vehicle for meteorologists who chase snowstorms. This vehicle takes a "thumb-print" of winter weather events as they occur in the densely populated areas of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Great Lakes regions. By developing a series of high-resolution analogs through live, on-the-ground records, future winter storms can be cross-referenced for more accurate forecasts.
These vehicles will also aid in accurately assessing snowstorm category ratings as required by NESIS (North East Snowstorm Impact Scale). Unlike a stationary Doppler radar, this vehicle can mobilize and deploy itself in the middle of a deformation zone-- the area of heaviest precipitation in a snowstorm. Using state-of-the-art Doppler technology, the LYNX will be able to scan Vertically as well as Horizontally.
< The current vehicles that research weather (known as "Doppler on Wheels") are used for chasing tornadoes and are not suitable for winter storm chasing as they are large and unwieldy.
These vehicles will also aid in accurately assessing snowstorm category ratings as required by NESIS (North East Snowstorm Impact Scale). Unlike a stationary Doppler radar, this vehicle can mobilize and deploy itself in the middle of a deformation zone-- the area of heaviest precipitation in a snowstorm. Using state-of-the-art Doppler technology, the LYNX will be able to scan Vertically as well as Horizontally.
< The current vehicles that research weather (known as "Doppler on Wheels") are used for chasing tornadoes and are not suitable for winter storm chasing as they are large and unwieldy.
LYNX Interior Sketches
LYNX Interior Render
The Lynx interior at this stage is arranged in a unique manner. Both passengers face in the opposite direction to the driver to open up floor space and facilitate equipment servicing. Since the vehicle is an electric-diesel hybrid, much of the area beneath the floor space is filled with lithium ion batteries. To help heat the cabin in severe winter weather, the battery heat can be vented through the floor panels. Equipment can slide out from beneath the passenger seats. Additionally, monitors are suspended from the ceiling and can be articulated accordingly.
LYNX Exterior Form Ideation
A series of exterior concepts show the evolution of the design and placement of the Doppler radar. Half-way through the ideation process I found ways of breaking the exterior into panels that would separate exterior material from insulation material. The hatched areas are high insulation molded rubber that are inset from the rest of the panels to reduce the amount of precipitation that may fall into the vehicle if a door is open. This includes a large portion of the greenhouse which features a protruding ridge near and around the windows and doors.
Some ideas that moved forward in later ideations included the molded rubber doors, paneled exteriors, angled Doppler radar, high front end clearance, and equipment venting. The below ideation shows the most refined concept thus far. The name Lynx comes from the snow cat, and thus the face of the vehicle should have some feline characteristics. That is why the headlights are thin, almost "squinting", with an intake at the front that resembles a feline nose. The hitch forms the "chin" with the part-line above forming what appears to be a "mouth". The Lynx is known for it's large paws and thus the snow tires allude to that.
LYNX Exterior Color Exploration
It is important to find a good color combination for this vehicle. Most colors were based off of themes. For example, "caution yellow" and "snow patrol orange". Right now it is a question of whether it should blend in with the environment or stand out. Several issues include albedo, which is the heat created by absorbed sunlight due to color. So for example, if I chose a color that was dark, it would stand out from the snow which might be good for safety but could disrupt local temperature readings. Further research will show if the albedo is a real problem or not.
LYNX "Snow Claw" Wheel
