Sávszél

Sávszél is a Hungarian term that translates to "lane wind" or "slipstream" in English. It refers to the altered airflow experienced by a vehicle or person traveling behind another, or within a closely packed group of vehicles. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in cycling, motorsports, and trucking.

When a vehicle moves forward, it pushes the air in front of it and creates a pocket of disturbed air behind it. This disturbed air is less dense and can create a low-pressure zone. A vehicle or cyclist following closely behind benefits from this reduced air resistance. The slipstream effect allows them to maintain a higher speed with less effort, or to conserve energy.

The magnitude of the sávszél effect depends on several factors, including the speed of the leading vehicle, its shape, and the proximity of the following vehicle. In cycling, drafting behind another rider or a group is a crucial tactic for conserving energy over long distances. In motorsports, slipstreaming is used to gain a speed advantage on straights, often leading to exciting overtaking maneuvers. Truck drivers can also experience a form of slipstream, though the term is less commonly used in that context. Understanding and utilizing sávszél can significantly impact performance and strategy in various forms of transport and competition.