Obviously a flat spoiler needs side support, but many variations include vertical fins above the surface. Are these integral to the flat spoiler, or do they have additional aerodynamic functions?
Added picture for reference (hope it's ok):
Ernie Roger's version looks fairly extreme, like butterfly wings, but I wonder if that much vertical has any useful purpose. Reading through his postings, he implies there is. Perhaps they are just for stability, but most modern aircraft are using them more on the main wings.
Quote:
|
Winglets lower drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency, thus reducing fuel burn. Depending on the missions you fly, blended winglets can improve cruise fuel mileage up to 6 percent, especially important during a time of rising fuel prices.
|
Boeing 737 Advanced Blended Winglets
I wonder if thre is a similar application for cars...