Roof Spoiler on Pick-Up Truck Cab - Phase-1

[DaveVM]

If someone were to video the truck at speed during a heavy snowfall, I bet some data could be acquired as well.

What about a confetti blower or something like it? Use confetti about the size of hole punchers or smaller. This way you could see the entire airflow. And the paper would biodegrade quickly. NOTE: Do not use around grill opening as it may clog radiator!

[IVTenvy]

Have any results on this experiment been recorded or continued on a different thread?

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by IVTenvy

Have any results on this experiment been recorded or continued on a different thread?

I am convinced the roof wing adds to the safety of the vehicle the more I drive it. The extra down-force is even more welcomed in the winter months.

I blocked off the tow hook holes in the front valance spoiler, here:

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tes-24627.html


Replacement for Tonneau Fabric - Coroplast
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ast-24019.html


I have taken some photos with the snow formation on the new bed cover, it's greater stiffness may have added something positive. I had to remove it once to pick up a flat TV (had to be shipped standing up - glass-Plasma). It was much easier to remove and put back on than the fabric cover ever was.

I did lose three of the gasketed self tapping screws, where possible all screws of that type have been replaced with longer ones which have stayed put.

S10 4x4 Pick Up Photos by kach22i | Photobucket

[kach22i]

Some more pictures completing the look of the aero-package.

S10 4x4 Pick Up Photos by kach22i | Photobucket

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by viio

It's hard to see in the 3d view, but those vortexes are just getting swamped by airflow down the side and over the top of the vehicle.


These 3 give a better picture of whats going on in the truck bed:

I don't remember seeing these before, they are excellent.

[ECONORAM]

The multi-quote didn't work, but I am also wondering about the topper effects, as i have one installed... What exactly is the purpose of the "wing" being elliptical? To keep downwash even? I had expected you'd need the wing to flush mount with the cab for the best results, but based upon the previous picture (in yellow) you posted, some flow under the wing is desired?

Originally Posted by DaveVM

A sheet metal trick may work here in that when a crack forms and you want to stop it. Drill about an 1/8 inch hole just in front of the crack. The crack will reach the hole and usually stops growing from there.

This is a temporary fix kind of thing as the part is still weaker but will last longer till it can be replaced or patched.

It's hard for me to find snow drifts, plowed or otherwise here in Florida, sand on the other hand... though I would gladly have the snow over the hurricanes. Grew up in Pa. so I learned to drive in the white stuff as well.

Going to have to try the roof spoiler though on the back of my shell, may only set it for a few degrees down though, not the eight to twelve I've read about. Though I may try to incorporate winglets to further reduce drag.

If the material is ABS plastic, you can use a soldering iron and some extra ABS to weld it all back together. It won't look pretty, but when you get the 3 materials all melted together, it will hold up. (left side, right side, extra ABS)

Originally Posted by kach22i

I am convinced the roof wing adds to the safety of the vehicle the more I drive it. The extra down-force is even more welcomed in the winter months.

I blocked off the tow hook holes in the front valance spoiler, here:


I have taken some photos with the snow formation on the new bed cover, it's greater stiffness may have added something positive. I had to remove it once to pick up a flat TV (had to be shipped standing up - glass-Plasma). It was much easier to remove and put back on than the fabric cover ever was.

I did lose three of the gasketed self tapping screws, where possible all screws of that type have been replaced with longer ones which have stayed put.

Nice job on sealing off the tow hook holes. What inspired the rear spoiler exactly?

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by ECONORAM

What exactly is the purpose of the "wing" being elliptical?

It was the largest scrap piece of acrylic I had left, having used the larger pieces on my hovercraft to in effect extend the length of the thrust duct with fixed elevators (or wings). I suppose a rectangular shape would work just as well, perhaps I'll attempt a comparison one day to find the best shape.

The hovercraft uses rectangular shapes by the way.
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boa...t-11973-2.html

The middle elevator and rod supports were later removed.

Originally Posted by ECONORAM

I had expected you'd need the wing to flush mount with the cab for the best results, but based upon the previous picture (in yellow) you posted, some flow under the wing is desired?

My original intention was to seal the wing to the roof which is why I beveled the leading edge to begin with.

However before I committed to putting silicone on my truck and perhaps more holes I tested it without sealing and liked the results, which then lead as to the how and why it works "as is".

Yes, air getting under the slot is desired (in most cases), just look at all the econoboxes and SUV's which use similar treatments. Do a Google image search with the term "SUV spoiler" to see more.

Originally Posted by ECONORAM

What inspired the rear spoiler exactly?

The rear spoiler was inspired by the racing trucks, it has a piano hing and allowed me to experiment on the various angles (90-180) to balance down-force with fuel economy. The hinge has long since rusted set at a permanent angle.

There is a link in my signature below which explains more.

[kach22i]

I took pictures of the Scion IQ yesterday because I noticed the roof spoiler is actually a 45 degree wedge which slides air flow though a slot - similar to my own roof device.

Aerodynamics Photos by kach22i | Photobucket

[gumby79]

my dad told me about a semi trailer modification were the wing is placed 90% below the top of the trailer angled down. It protrudes 1/2- 2"above the roof line . It acts as an air scoop , to fill the void (vortex) behind the trailer.
Also my 1982 Chevy Blazer S-10 had a similar design. GM said it was to keep the back glass free of dust.

Good work on your prototyping
for your next roof wing try concave with vortex generators @ the outer tips

[ChopStix]

@ kach22i

Did you buy this PDF as your influence for your pickup wing project?
A Rear Spoiler of a New Type that Reduces the Aerodynamic Forces on a Mini-Van

I was going to buy the PDF until I read that they were not including the spoilers image in the doc as they are getting a patent on it. So my hopes of copying the shape for my own van project is a bust. Well unless I find it online.... So mean time I'm looking at possibly making a kammback instead.