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Old 05-14-2019, 09:25 AM   #24 (permalink)
kach22i
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulB2 View Post
There is that diagram floating around here about pickup aerodynamics, which shows the small wing on the roof and a half tonneau being the best aerodynamically. I imagine (correct me if I'm wrong) it establishes a stable vortex in the pickup bed, and the air just flows over that vortex down to the tonneau cover. I just wondered if we could move this to the back of my volvo (if I buy one).
I believe the Texas University PDF diagram shows full aero-cap on the bed being best as it retains air attachment.

In addition as I recall the diagram shows a full tonneau cover as being ever so slightly superior to a half cover in any condition including with or without roof wing.

I think you are comparing apples to oranges anyway, long body ratio station wagons are nothing like pickup trucks aerodynamically speaking.

You may wish to lengthen the cab or wagon with a rear spoiler or roof wing so the air has a clean and defined detachment point that forms partial box cavity. That is one of the only commonalities I can think of.
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