Quote:
Originally Posted by Buddy
....... a rear wing on the tailgate to direct air downward at a 45 degree angle.
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This is not a wing, but you can call it a diverter.
You have proposed taking a form well known for having a light rear end, and making it even lighter - dangerously so in my opinion.
And I suspect that a plate/wing/foil angled
down or up has about equal drag.
The proposed 45 degrees is a massive angle of attack, and will result in high drag.
What to do next:
On a nice day take a long ride down the highway. Roll down the window and stick your arm straight out. Outstretch and flatten your hand like you are waving Hitler style.
Now experiment with different angles of attack, if you are not familiar with this term please look it up. Closing your eyes and taking a peak at the angle can be part of this game/exercise.
Just be careful of passing cars and your own speed. Having some print-outs on your passenger seat on the topic of aerodynamics may help you explain it to a cop if you get pulled over. Use a paper weight or they will fly around, and do not reach for them unannounced or you might get shot in the face.
Yes, hand flat out at 180 degrees will be the least amount of drag. I just want you to get in touch with your intuitive side, your inner child before attempting to fill your brain with technical mumbo jumbo.