Rear diffuser photos
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Rear diffuser photos
I was asked to share a few photos of my diffuser. I finally took the time to get a few good (at least 2 are ok) pictures so here they are.
It is constructed of foam core and carbon fiber and is attached with studs using existing holes in the frame. The two forward holes are the front spare tire holder locations. I still don't have any test data. I'll get to that someday.
It is constructed of foam core and carbon fiber and is attached with studs using existing holes in the frame. The two forward holes are the front spare tire holder locations. I still don't have any test data. I'll get to that someday.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Thanks, the wheels are Bassett racing wheels and they are their IMCA 5 spoke 15x8. Front tires are 50 series 245s and the rears are 50 series 295s. I must admit that the front ride height in the photos is a bit misleading. That is running on the bump stop. I usually have 3/4 to 1" off the stop.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 2
From: Montreal Qc.
Thanks Burners, I was one of the ones that asked for pics. I like it. I'm probably gonna do something similar, but more "curvy and C3-ish". I'm also guessing (like crossedflags) that the front end is filled in to avoid pulling in air?
My concept is below, I'll attempt to make it out of fiberglass over an aluminum frame, with an air exit in the middle (after I get done with 50 other projects
)
My concept is below, I'll attempt to make it out of fiberglass over an aluminum frame, with an air exit in the middle (after I get done with 50 other projects
)
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Star79, I like the shape. That's cool. Another fin on the outside edges would keep the flow from venting to the side of the car. The more directed to the rear, the better the drag reduction.
The front lip is rounded to encourage flow under the diffuser but it is also very close to the rear spring. The spring acts as an extension and the air is quite turbulent in this area anyway. To really do it right I should have covers that span the gap from the frame kick-up (just behind the doors) to the spring.
The front lip is rounded to encourage flow under the diffuser but it is also very close to the rear spring. The spring acts as an extension and the air is quite turbulent in this area anyway. To really do it right I should have covers that span the gap from the frame kick-up (just behind the doors) to the spring.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 10
From: Big Pine Key FL
I like that !!! I think I'll make one with an allloy frame and some fiberglass...
I got the frontend down tight with my prototype using 4 inch material I have some 12" material and will trim it closer....
I got the frontend down tight with my prototype using 4 inch material I have some 12" material and will trim it closer....
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 660
Likes: 4
From: Fredericksburg VA
Educate me? I like the look but what does this accomplish performance wise? I assume this was done as much for performances as esthetics. Dos it increase top end, help with top end stability or what?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 2
From: Montreal Qc.
Originally Posted by burners
Star79, I like the shape. That's cool. Another fin on the outside edges would keep the flow from venting to the side of the car. The more directed to the rear, the better the drag reduction.
The front lip is rounded to encourage flow under the diffuser but it is also very close to the rear spring. The spring acts as an extension and the air is quite turbulent in this area anyway. To really do it right I should have covers that span the gap from the frame kick-up (just behind the doors) to the spring.
The front lip is rounded to encourage flow under the diffuser but it is also very close to the rear spring. The spring acts as an extension and the air is quite turbulent in this area anyway. To really do it right I should have covers that span the gap from the frame kick-up (just behind the doors) to the spring.
I'm thinking either aluminum frame, or maybe balsa wood covered with 'glass, like they use on the C6 floors.
I can't wait till spring, so I can get started on some of this stuff!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 2
From: Montreal Qc.
Originally Posted by waterplay
Educate me? I like the look but what does this accomplish performance wise? I assume this was done as much for performances as esthetics. Dos it increase top end, help with top end stability or what?
(real engineers, please feel free to explain/correct any things that I am just making a semi-educated guess on)
Also, aero improvements aside, I think it looks cool
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 88,393
Likes: 2
From: eville in
Originally Posted by Star79
Thanks Burners, I was one of the ones that asked for pics. I like it. I'm probably gonna do something similar, but more "curvy and C3-ish". I'm also guessing (like crossedflags) that the front end is filled in to avoid pulling in air?
My concept is below, I'll attempt to make it out of fiberglass over an aluminum frame, with an air exit in the middle (after I get done with 50 other projects )
My concept is below, I'll attempt to make it out of fiberglass over an aluminum frame, with an air exit in the middle (after I get done with 50 other projects
)
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Star79, that's a pretty good explanation. The diffuser aids in transitioning the high velocity, low pressure flow under the car back to static (ambient) pressure in a more controlled, efficient way. This helps to reduce wake drag. The key is efficiency. Because it is expanding the air smoothly, there is little or no turbulence that causes drag.
torqvette, my exhaust is a split side and under car exit. I can run it either or both ways together. With the exhaust running out the back and terminating near the differential I get a "blown diffuser". The mass flow of air contributes by filling in more air behind the car, thus reducing wake drag further.
torqvette, my exhaust is a split side and under car exit. I can run it either or both ways together. With the exhaust running out the back and terminating near the differential I get a "blown diffuser". The mass flow of air contributes by filling in more air behind the car, thus reducing wake drag further.
