Technically, 'aerodynamics'

[botsapper]

High-performance Ariel Atom ditches the wings and uses another 'aerodynamic' solution to minimize wing drag and improve cornering stability. The Ariel Atom Aero-P uses banned racecar technology ground effects, it uses a bottom tub with flexible side skirts and two electric fans to create a vacuum/suction down force. The downforce system can be turned on or off on demand, higher downforce at turns and low down force on straightaways.
It may not be practical on regular road cars (rocks and road debris) but it will benefit track cars without the use of massive spoilers and wings.

This Ariel Atom Uses Electric Fans to Suck It Into the Ground

[redpoint5]

I've always wondered why they don't just use articulating wings that are computer controlled and "fly" the vehicle around corners instead of the caveman approach of artificially making the car weigh more, and forcing the rubber to provide all of the velocity change.

Why make down force when it isn't the intended vector?

[botsapper]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I've always wondered why they don't just use articulating wings that are computer controlled and "fly" the vehicle around corners instead of the caveman approach of artificially making the car weigh more, and forcing the rubber to provide all of the velocity change.

Why make down force when it isn't the intended vector?

Active Split rear wing; they have invested significant CFD testing and analysis (as per car model) as well as wind tunnel testing. They assign split blade angles that is the appropriate down force according to corner speeds and steering wheel input.

Don't know why this did not take off, might have been outlawed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7l70Q6P-vU

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

They do, it's called "AIR RACING" usually done at Reno, NV.

I'm talking a wheeled vehicle with rudders (neutral lift / downforce) that fly around corners instead of relying on down force for traction. You don't need traction when you speed provides the wall of air necessary to push off of.

[niky]

I wonder... should be simple enough to install rudders in wing uprights... have them linked to the steering mechanism for simplicity.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by niky

I wonder... should be simple enough to install rudders in wing uprights... have them linked to the steering mechanism for simplicity.

That's exactly what I'm talking about. I'd put 'em up front too.

[RedDevil]

Ha. Use 4 wheel steering and rake the whole body.
Driverless race cars to cope with the G forces

The horizontal split wing reduces body roll, but you would still corner faster if the outward flap moves up fully too; more pressure on the outward wheels, faster cornering.
You would not want the split. You want the whole wing helping you through the corner.

[markweatherill]

Originally Posted by botsapper

two electric fans to create a vacuum/suction down force.

I bet it cuts grass real good too.

[kach22i]

This story reminds me of other technologies banned from racing because they were too good and made the competition noncompetitive.

Porsche goes green...100 years ago - Wheel hub motors (2) - CNNMoney.com

One racing version, created in 1900 and capable of a top speed of 37 miles per hour, had electric motors in all four wheels, allowing Porsche Cars to claim that its founder created the first all-wheel-drive vehicle.

The article above is rather brief, but there was a book in college I read twice which had photos of this car and the full story behind it.

You have to recall that the race tracks back then were the city streets and country roads, both often just trenched mud pits with a few rocks tossed in for laughs. 4WD was a huge advantage back then, and hybrid electric often more reliable than ICE alone.

[freebeard]

Pagani use active aero on the street, but use flaps instead of wings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1zXCAPbJYk

R. B. Fuller proposed flying the tail of his Dymaxion Omnidirectional Transport, but for fuel efficiency instead of downforce.



The problem with drawing a vacuum in the plenum under the vehicle is that if the dynamics of the vehicle's mass lifts the edge sufficiently the downforce dissipates catastrophically.