aerodynamics
forgive me again if i'm treading on previously debated issues,
but in another thread we were talking about grill blocks and aerodynamics in general, besides making a car look all pimped, does anyone know if side skirts and front skirts and lowering a car would have any benefit or hindrance to fe? i assume the aerofoils on most cars are simply cosmetic (and goofy to boot) |
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In theory anything that lets less air under the car will air in aerodynamics as well. Krousdb also lowered his car 2" and noticed a FE gain. I can't give you any concrete numbers though. It might be better to just put a belly pan under your car instead of lowering it and adding body kits. |
Dan also said that when he raised it back up he didn't notice a dramatic difference. The theory is there, but when I lowered (and will lower more) I'm more worried about handling and looks and saying "oh yeah, my frontal area is less" on a somewhat incidental note.
Darin (metrompg) has done some serious testing on the rear skirts, check out his thread/website for his results (cuz I forget where to find them). |
by rear skirts, do you mean a wing on the back?
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I mean covering up the rear wheel wells!
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Aerodynamic drag is a function of speed ; If you want less drag, slow down! At 47ish MPH, drag starts to show up...slowing you down(more gas!).
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True enough.
But if you want less drag at highway speeds where it's not practical to slow down, improving the vehicle's Cd is a good idea. |
Well, of course it pays off, as long as you don't factor in time, :p
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Time is money! Besides, the "clock ticketh"!
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At approximately that speed, the contribution of aerodynamic drag is roughly half the sum of forces resisting a vehicle's motion (aero and rolling resistance). Aero drag still exacts a fuel efficiency penalty at slower speeds, although proportionately less (in other words, it doesn't "suddenly" become a factor at 47 mph). Even at only 20 mph, it represents roughly 1/4 of the sum of aero+rolling resistance opposing vehicle motion. Also, 47 mph is quite a high threshold (where aero forces start to exceed rolling resistance); That would represent a very aerodynamic vehicle - or a vehicle with very high rolling resistance. For most, I would say the 50/50 point is actually closer to 35-40 mph. |
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