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Old 06-08-2013, 04:14 PM   #194 (permalink)
aerohead
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solar car

Quote:
Originally Posted by jime57 View Post
I tend to agree with you overall observations. I was just kicking the idea around.

Formula 1 cars have been productively using various diffuser fins for several years now, but I'm not sure that the 150-175 MPH difference in speed makes that comparison relevant.

And, yes I remember seeing that solar car. As I recall, the fins were small and at the very rear.
That might have been the 1987 GM/AeroVironment SunRaycer.
Crosswind stability near the Australian land trains was a prerequisite for racing qualification and that car had already 'flown'.
The 'strakes' added under the tail were a solution which Dr.Alberto Morelli had come up with in 1978 with the CNR 'banana' car.The stabilizing tailfin was placed low,behind the wheels to mitigate a roll-moment,while moving the center-of-pressure well aft,giving it a nice weather-vaning.
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