Quote:
Originally Posted by JacobLeSann
If I can find a source, will do, thank you for the info. A deployable wing...why? For parking space? I don’t see much an issue with a static wing, but around here I’d agree on the ice. I’ll be purchasing lots of coroplast for the underbody, so I’ll snag some cardboard for tests like you say.
I think I’ve building up would be fine on a fixed wing. I can take my car into my heated shop and let it melt down every now and then, so I’m not that worried about ice. I think it should work okay.
What Id like to know currently is opinions on a boat tail design. With clear Lexan, I think I can keep the visibility, but the junction between the top of the trunk and rear windshield makes me feel like this is a lipstick-on-a-pig situation. I’d like to know the shape to use to make shortest (and preferably least strange looking) boat tail that still helps to streamline the airflow. For now it’s purely conceptual, but it’s something I’d like to know.
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I believe that the actual reason has less to do with aerodynamics, and more to do with commercial car washes, which could damage a structure like Tesla produced.
Hyundai / Kia recess their car's windshield wipers for this very reason.
You'll notice also that modern cars don't have exposed radio antenna as in the past.
Vortex generators would also to subject to damage unless 'Touchless' systems were used exclusively in lieu of hand washing.
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As to the boat-tail, as far as aerodynamics, all I can recommend is the 'template' for the side elevation contour. For the sides of the car, it would be the same in plan-view, as it's highly modelled after W. A. Mair's boat-tail research. You'll have to integrate onto the existing contour, and go from there. All compound surfaces, the most difficult to fabricate. Or 'planar' surfaces, like the Chevy VOLT, maintaining all the 'character' lines original to the car. Still a complicated build.
Rear visibility efficacy will fall on your improvisation.
I drove commercial vehicles in the military , had a commercial drivers license for a couple decades after, and drove with my side mirrors, so direct rear vision issues weren't 'issues.'
If you thought you had to, you could construct flying buttresses, with a vertical backlight embedded. I've done this with my truck. It has a captured separation bubble which travels along, air flowing over as if it's solid. Plan-B.
