External air curtains

[aerohead]

I just wanted to remind all that if you're operating on public roads, please be mindful of pedestrian traffic, and what might happen should you accidentally strike one with your external mods. 'Slicing and dicing' shouldn't be a component of aero mods.

[IRONICK]

Originally Posted by JulianEdgar

You'll have to show us the results of your testing - this is an interesting area.

Vman455 told me he used sheet metal for external front air curtains and recorded a drag increase on his Prius - but they gave much better stability when passing trucks.

As I say, I'd love to see the results of your tests.

I don't have to prove anything, all the manufacturers that have implemented have already done that. The outer edge is the thickness of the spoiler material.

[JulianEdgar]

Originally Posted by IRONICK

I don't have to prove anything, all the manufacturers that have implemented have already done that. The outer edge is the thickness of the spoiler material.

In the real world: we'll keep on testing results of real modifications.

But if you can cite any tech paper references, I am certainly interested.

Can you?

[IRONICK]

There is a lot of 'tech paper references' on the internet if you are really interested.
Your world is not as real as you think.

[IRONICK]

Originally Posted by aerohead

I just wanted to remind all that if you're operating on public roads, please be mindful of pedestrian traffic, and what might happen should you accidentally strike one with your external mods. 'Slicing and dicing' shouldn't be a component of aero mods.

I am curious what the authorities think when you make such changes to a car and drive it on public roads.

[JulianEdgar]

Originally Posted by IRONICK

There is a lot of 'tech paper references' on the internet if you are really interested.
Your world is not as real as you think.

Wonderful! Do you want to link to them?

[JulianEdgar]

Originally Posted by IRONICK

I am curious what the authorities think when you make such changes to a car and drive it on public roads.

Mmmm. Maybe I don't live where you live?

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by aerohead

I just wanted to remind all that if you're operating on public roads, please be mindful of pedestrian traffic, and what might happen should you accidentally strike one with your external mods. 'Slicing and dicing' shouldn't be a component of aero mods.

Good point, perhaps next step would be an attempt to incorporate air curtains into the existing bodywork using similar principals.

That is to say, place the airfoil inside of the bodywork with an opening in front.

Where this may get tricky on modern cars is the wheel well liners that older cars lack.

Dremel makes a few tools that may come in handy for such a task.

Knowing where the airbag sensors and wiring are on your particular car will be a must.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by IRONICK

I am curious what the authorities think when you make such changes to a car and drive it on public roads.

Aerodynamic modification for fuel economy has been encouraged by the U.S. Department of Energy, since 1973.
Rear elongations of up to 60-inches are authorized for a solo vehicle.
TV/ Trailer combinations would be GVWR-limited. Aerodynamics is fair play within that parameter.
Sometimes the state police and highway patrol will 'take a look' but I've never been stopped for mods.
Since we share the road, being mindful of other's safety is a good thing.
OEM air-curtains are typically 'embedded' 'within' the body, where they won't shred the flesh off a pedestrian or cyclist should something go wrong.
That's all I was eluding to.

[JulianEdgar]

The front-facing elements of my air curtains are pretty pedestrian friendly. The leading edge of the aerofoil is quite rounded, and the end plates have had their edges rounded. The whole assembly would break off on impact - much more likely to be with a kangaroo than a person, where I drive!