Automotive Dictionary

Kadenacy effect: When a port of a two-stroke engine opens abruptly, as is the case with a rectangular exhaust port, the cylinder pressure gives rise to a positive pressure wave transmitted down the exhaust pipe at the speed of sound

KAIDA: Acronym for Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association.

Kaiser: Click image for books on
Kaiser

A vehicle brand of which the 1954 Darrin 161 is a milestone car. The 1951-52 Deluxe and Deluxe Virginian are milestone cars. The 1951-53 Dragon models are milestone cars. The 1954-55 Manhattan models are milestone cars. The 1949-50 Vagabond models are milestone car. The 1949-50 Virginian (Hardtop) models are milestone cars.

KAM

See

Kamm back: It was once thought that a long tapered end in the shape of a vehicle would give it the most aerodynamic configuration. W. Kamm discovered that the length of the end would have to be so long as to make the vehicle impractical. There would also be an increase in surface area which would also create its own Friction Drag. He found that if he cut the theoretically long tail in half he would have both good Aerodynamics and minimal surface Drag. This sharply cut off rear end is named after him.

Kamm tail: It was once thought that a long tapered end in the shape of a vehicle would give it the most aerodynamic configuration. W. Kamm discovered that the length of the end would have to be so long as to make the vehicle unpractical. There would also be an increase in surface area which would also create its own Friction Drag. He found that if he cut the theoretically long tail in half he would have both good Aerodynamics and minimal surface Drag. This sharply cut off rear end is named after him.

Kangarooing: A colloquial term for moving forward in a succession of sudden jerks as a result of improper use of the clutch, (a characteristic of beginner drivers or those not used to standard shifting)

Kaplan turbine: A type of turbine that that has two blades whose pitch is adjustable. The turbine may have gates to control the angle of the fluid flow into the blades.

Kata thermometer: Large-bulb alcohol thermometer used to measure air speed or atmospheric conditions by means of cooling effect.

DICTIONARY OF AUTOMOTIVE TERMS - "Ka"