Are these features the same? Is one better than the other? In the course of our research on the subject of finding the differences between a wing and a spoiler, it became very clear, very quickly why people use these terms interchangeably. A very generous definition of either component would include the idea that both are used to control or disrupt airflow. However, the stark truth is that the distinctions between a wing and a spoiler are important. The reason that wings are used on professional race cars and other high-performance vehicles is that they need the additional downforce.
When you are driving a fast car the aerodynamics of the car creates something called a lift. The lift wants to lift your car up from the rear which is definitely not a good thing. Downforce is the complete opposite of a lift force. The job of the downforce is to keep the rear sticking to the ground. The advantage of downforce is that it allows fast cars to corner better. The downforce, however, has a negative effect. Downforce is something that pushes the car down and thus it increases the drag on the car.
This drag can reduce the speed of the car. They both have different jobs and different uses. The job of the wing is to create downforce.
This downforce allows the car to stay on the ground while cornering and travelling at really fast speeds. Wings are mostly used in high-speed cars. There are other ways to do the job a wing does but using a wing is more efficient and faster. Wing works by manipulating the air going through it. When air passes through a wing it creates two pressure zones, high pressure on top of the wing and low pressure on the bottom refer to the image in the downforce section.
A well-designed rear wing is meant to produce downforce instead of lift, but adding any appendage to the exterior of any car, or other modifications in general, is bound to disrupt the optimal aerodynamics that were originally designed into it at the factory. A badly designed wing, or one that does not suit the design of a vehicle, may even hurt traction, stability, speed and fuel economy.
Therefore, when you intend to do such a modification, best consult a professional and also consider your needs, that is how you would want the wing or spoiler to improve your driving experience. Like wings, badly designed or misfit spoilers also can have counterintuitive effects on the performance of a vehicle. For example, a spoiler that protrudes upward from the trunk of a performance car or a race car reduces drag even though it sticks up and thus should block the air.
Similarly, aerodynamic testing has found that the liftgate in trucks reduces drag compared to when it is lowered or removed. Instead, there is much more about the aerodynamics of a vehicle than simply attaching a wing or rear spoiler in car , as you will find out more below. Spoilers are simple accessories designed to change the overall airflow around a vehicle, including the air above, behind, on the side and underneath it to reduce wind resistance, or drag.
Spoilers also redirects the airflow around the vehicle to create more downforce and enable the vehicle to gain more grip or traction at high speeds. Spoilers started to gain popularity around the s when car producers sought to improve the aerodynamics of race cars and performance vehicles. Later, fuel economy regulations motivated automakers to improve the aerodynamics of all vehicles to achieve better fuel economy, since a vehicle with less wind resistance eats up less fuel at high speeds.
As a car increases its speed, aerodynamic drag increases, making the engine work harder to maintain such speed. When it comes to automotive spoilers, most will probably think of a wing-type spoiler sitting above the deck lid of a car, but spoilers are also commonly attached to the front of a vehicle to direct air to the sides. That said, it is important to keep in mind, if performance is your priority, that spoilers are only a small part of the aerodynamic picture.
The styling and height of a vehicle, the design of the roof, the design and size of the rear window and trunk, the size of the grille, the shape of the front bumper and headlights, and many other factors all play significant parts in managing airflow around a vehicle.
Remember that each small detail of a vehicle model exists for a reason, and each component is designed with the vehicle as a whole in mind. Car manufacturers usually spend many years, even decades, and millions of dollars to continuously perfect the design and aerodynamics of a vehicle before the model is introduced to the market to improve fuel economy and stability at high speed, as well as to minimize wind noise, all the while ensuring an eye-pleasing appearance.
Determine what you want out of your beloved vehicle, then decide whether or not you should go for a car with a spoiler. If you do, it is recommended that you consult a professional on the best type and design of spoilers, possibly along with wings and other aerodynamic-enhancing parts, that best suit the design of your vehicle.
For cooler ways to upgrade your beloved car, whether for appearance or performance, head to our comprehensive library of pro maintenance tips. Driving Tips. Maintenance Tips.
0コメント