Pizza pan covers

[Otto]

Why not use these on the inner rim of the wheel as well as the outer rim?

Obviously, a hole would need to be cut, to clear the wheel hub, spindle, etc..

Still, smoothing the inner surface should help, given all the turbulent air passing under the car. Both sides smooth should be better than just one side.

Thoughts?

[tollo]

Here is some discussion:

Inside wheel covers ?

- I agree with you that two sides is better than one.
- Inside covers can be mounted to wheel (like outside) or also to hub.
- Notice the brake cooling.
- Front suspension system (arms and so on) need quite lot of space
- covers are more important on the outside, because smooth side of the car.
- quite small gains but also quite easy to do ?

Are we talking about the same thing ?

[Otto]

Originally Posted by tollo

Here is some discussion:

Inside wheel covers ?

- I agree with you that two sides is better than one.
- Inside covers can be mounted to wheel (like outside) or also to hub.
- Notice the brake cooling.
- Front suspension system (arms and so on) need quite lot of space
- covers are more important on the outside, because smooth side of the car.
- quite small gains but also quite easy to do ?

Are we talking about the same thing ?

Essentially. Given the issues with ventilating the brakes and potential heat buildup of the wheel, I suppose it would be better to have a flow fence at the outer edge of the belly pay undertray, just inboard of the wheel assy..

A week or two ago somebody posted a great pic from Hucho of an Opel Cailbra in wind tunnel, showing the smoke trail diverting ~60 degrees off centerline and outboard, then hitting the front wheel at an angle. I cannot seem to find that pic, so wish somebody would link or repost it.

Anyway, that lateral flow robs a lot of energy from the car, esp. given the concave and sharp contours of the inboard side of the wheel/tire.

Trick is to make a fairing that smoothly diverts such lateral flow air around the front wheel/tire, yet allows adequate cooling air for the brakes.

[RobertSmalls]

The image is a dramatic demonstration of a deflector in front of the tire, but I'm not clear on what happens after the air passes the tire. The smoke appears to become a little diffuse.

[Otto]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

The image is a dramatic demonstration of a deflector in front of the tire, but I'm not clear on what happens after the air passes the tire. The smoke appears to become a little diffuse.

Do you mean the Hucho Calibra wind tunnel picture? What deflector?

Where is that pic on this website? Was here someplace last week.