Aerodynamics made simple

[Quasimoto]

I found a web site that explains aerodynamics in a way that even I can understand. Check it out


Race Car Design Tips and Information - Aerodynamics

[kach22i]

Not bad, but I'm not convinced by the little red arrows on the rear spoiler diagram.

These are a little better, but you have to combine them in your head for an net result.

Electrical Power Engineering - Generation Transmission & Distribution: Half-a-loaf of Automotive Aerodynamics (AA)


Aerodynamics | Ministry Of Wheels

[lacole725]

Having a little trouble with this one:
Rake the chassis. The chassis, as mentioned in the aerodynamics theory section above, is capable of being slightly lower to the ground in the front than in the rear. The lower "Nose" of the car reduces the volume of air able to pass under the car, and the higher "Tail" of the car creates a vacuum effect which lowers the air pressure.

So is there a possibility of too much rake? If so, what would an example be?

[JasonG]

As the rake increases, the downward suction does too.
this pressure has to come from somewhere and it does, increasing drag.
7deg sticks in my head as a crossover point to turbulent flow.
NASCAR uses this quite a bit. Before relief flaps were added it made for some spectacular, tail going in the air wrecks when the suction was lost !
They did it by keeping the upper body level and raking the underpan only.
BamZipPow I believ has some rake to his trucks bellypan.