Spoiler aerodynamics
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 451
Likes: 2
From: Toronto On
I think there are two separate things at work with a "spoiler".
At lower speeds, anything slanted in the air stream with be hit by the air and be pushed up or down (think about sticking your hand out the window, palm up or palm down). So, a spoiler, whatever shape, angled with the leading edge down, will apply downforce, but at the expense of drag.
Airfoil shapes, like airplane wings or birds wings, can sit in an airstream basically flat, with little drag, and yet still produce upforce or downforce. The difference is that the air/car speed has to much higher for these effects to have a significant effect.
At lower speeds, anything slanted in the air stream with be hit by the air and be pushed up or down (think about sticking your hand out the window, palm up or palm down). So, a spoiler, whatever shape, angled with the leading edge down, will apply downforce, but at the expense of drag.
Airfoil shapes, like airplane wings or birds wings, can sit in an airstream basically flat, with little drag, and yet still produce upforce or downforce. The difference is that the air/car speed has to much higher for these effects to have a significant effect.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Originally Posted by Summerfun
Anyone else have some more concrete input on this?
The Indy ft. spoiler designed for our Vettes w/ wind tunnel scoops up air for cooling, cleans up airflow underneath & sweeps the airflow around the front tires. Rec. for all 68-79 ! I put mine on as soon as possible, so early that the paint matches & it appears original.
So you are in very good shape w/ the Indy ft. spoiler.
The original design 68 rear spoiler was cut way down for prod. for better aerodynamics- was lifting the front at speed.
