Hmmm... sealing panel gaps... materials?
 

So... I know the traditional material for random aero testing is usually painters tape, and I love the color against the color of my paint, but it simply isn't practical... It gets wet and then is tremendously difficult to remove...

What about electrical tape? would the thickness of electrical tape defeat the purpose of sealing the gaps? and does anybody know how long electrical tape will last on a car?

or if anybody else has a good idea? I really don't want to spend much and I don't want it to be messy, so no silicone or other goop.

I had electrical tape sealing a hardtop gap for a year and it came off with no problems whatsoever.

All glider pilots would use some sort of electrical tape, or similar to fill the gap between wings and fuselage. All the ones I know that is ;)
I thought about it, but I think I'll sort out my undercarriage drag first.

Also, some gaps migh be better filled with building foam, sanded and filled with body filler, then painted. Door gaps for instance. I haven't done it, just an idea, so don't take my word for it. The door's edge might be covered with packing tape as protection and a release agent.

But the above is only an idea, haven't done it yet.

Is there any pics of your project aside the one you have in the signature?

uh... I don't think I'm going to take it that far... just tape-sealed gaps for me :D

and pics of my air dam are here: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...over-4971.html

Interesting , thanks

I'm currently Testing with Duck Brand Foam Weatherstrip Seal.

Application placement is just within the hood thickness to ensure seal. Still on first test tank.

Vehicle:
2007 Toyota Corolla S 5S Manual
1.8 L 4 cylinder
195/65r15 @ 35psi


Previous Mods/Implementations:
switched 5w30 to 0w20
Hypermiling Techniques
Non-Ethanol Fuel

Total vehicle Miles Driven: 65,950

Avg Lifetime MPG: 35.2
Last MPG (no gaps seal): 41.0

*will follow up with results

Sealing panel gaps does nothing due to the boundary layer. Many people have tested it. No difference. Can’t measure it. Maybe slightly when going over 200 miles per hour but still won’t make a diff then either

'panel gaps'
 

* General Motors, Wolf-Heinrich Hucho, and FIAT have published about the aerodynamics of panel gaps.
* During R&D of their 1999, PGNV, Cd 0.163 'Precept', GM included gap-drag within the 'features drag' ensemble, which also included windshield wipers, and door handles.
* Counter-intuitively, the transverse gap on the 1st-gen Golf/Rabbit rear hatch was actually beneficial, and taping it closed in the wind tunnel registered a measurable drag increase.
* In the 1980s, FIAT's streamlining of their Cd 0.45 Ritmo / Strada included 'air-tighting' of gaps at the bonnet, doors, and boot, together with other tricks, ending up at Cd 0.32.
* So like we've talked about since 2005, every vehicle needs to be treated on a case-specific basis, and we need to avoid all-encompassing ( one-size-fits-all ) delta-drag attributions for specific mods.

Can’t panel gaps also act as mini vortex generators and accelerate the flow?

True but where does the acceleration energy come from? Hint: fuel economy.