NASCAR cooling drag

[Vman455]

Surprisingly in-depth article from Jalopnik on NASCAR cooling systems, cooling drag, grill blocking (with tape!), and intake air temperatures: https://jalopnik.com/the-fascinating...hot-1835071544

The article was spurred by this video, where you can see some of their ducting setups, etc.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=3LuS7eK3o64

[NeilBlanchard]

Somewhere in the distant past posts here on EcoModder, someone mentioned that with a fully ducted cooling system with optimal intake and exhaust vents, you can cool a 100HP with just a 16 sq in opening. So, 200HP could be cooled with 32 sq in, and so on.

[redpoint5]

Didn't read the article yet, but I think that's why there is a lot of strategy in drafting. Too much being in the draft, and you risk overheating the engine. There's a ton of strategy in NASCAR that isn't readily apparent. I wish there was an alternate audio channel that focuses on the science/strategy of racing rather than the mostly "hype" chatter. Maybe even mic up the team engineers.

[ASV]

why not take advantage of the Meredith effect, an aluminum roof with tubes welded to the inside would provide significant cooling and not only drag reduction but could potentially even add thrust

something like an inside out P51 radiator

it something that could even be useful for some of the more advanced fabricators here

[grins2go_brett]

Originally Posted by ASV

why not take advantage of the Meredith effect, an aluminum roof with tubes welded to the inside would provide significant cooling and not only drag reduction but could potentially even add thrust

Even though NASCAR cars are already well outside the "stock" cars they represent, a radiator/cooling system like that would definitely not be considered stock. I like the outside the box thinking though.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by ASV

why not take advantage of the Meredith effect, an aluminum roof with tubes welded to the inside would provide significant cooling and not only drag reduction but could potentially even add thrust

something like an inside out P51 radiator

it something that could even be useful for some of the more advanced fabricators here

IVECO has used the bonded-tube heat-exchanger on the cab-to-trailer gap-filler panels,for their 'Glider' truck tractor.It's basically 'grilleless.'
As to the Meredith effect,this may be something which would only work in transonic flow,where the air would be experiencing compressive effects.The NASCAR racers would have to be doing a minimum of 250-mph,before they'd see any compressive flow.The expanded flow off the radiator would have nothing to 'push' against.

[freebeard]

Originally Posted by ASV

why not take advantage of the Meredith effect, an aluminum roof with tubes welded to the inside would provide significant cooling and not only drag reduction but could potentially even add thrust

something like an inside out P51 radiator

it something that could even be useful for some of the more advanced fabricators here

I gave it my best shot here:



The one on the left. It would have a 4-into-2-into-1 exhaust header with a 90° elbow instead of a megaphone, topped by a stainless steel Coanda nozzle fed with 1500cfm of exhaust and/or 1500cfm of engine cooling air.

This would pull the air flowing along the sides inward at the truncation and add energy to it.

[oil pan 4]

Problem is that it still has to work in stop and go traffic with the A/C on.