Quote:
Originally Posted by California98Civic
Cd and euromodder, thanks for your comments. I made changes based on Cd's earlier ideas. Mostly changing to all coroplast and cutting a more contoured line to try and avoid drag. But I now think I might need to do more. Any ideas that don't involve tape to the body? The plan is to make it easily and quickly removable (magnets). I also plan to taper more now, based on these ideas from you, euromodder. Here is an update and a hope you and others might further advise:
I tested the below design (see pics) last night in a situation of low traffic but dropping ambient temps. My not-so-reliable results suggest a possible gain of .65mpg, or no gain at all, but no loss likely. I need to retest it, having learned not to test between 10pm and midnight. I found MetroMPG's old excellent tuft testing for his vortex generator experiment, and I plan to copy his spacing and length of tufts. I'll try and build this vertical tuft thing too, Cd. I'll take and post video.
But first how might I improve the tapering, the trailing edge, and other drag contributors. I should curve the ends of the "lip"?
|
With respect to the taper,you might increase the tumblehome of the spoiler sides slightly from beginning to end.
You'll see this on say the Honda Fit,as you stand behind the car to one side looking forward.Looking at the A,B,C,and D-pillars,you notice that each falls in towards the center of the Fit a little more than the one in front,the further back you go.
It would put a little twist into the sides,reducing the plan form area of the top of the extending panel while maintaining the curve of the 'base' which is less affected by the downwash off the roof.