Re: [[OT] Rear Wing Aerodynamics - trivial

[Cathy Boyko <losinit@usa.net>]

Super aerodynamic, I have thought about it over the years and conclude
it is not enough to split the wind (Hey, I didn't mean cut the cheese!)
but it's also important to close it up behind you as you pass by.

Hence the needle shape at both ends of really fast things, like the SR71
Blackbird airplane.

So, Scirocco content at last, part of the benefit the rear wing, with
it's sharp edge is to get the flow to combine back again, to avoid too
much turbulence back behind the car as it swirls and creates a vacuum.


>>>>And on an opposite note, I saw a post on the Beetle forum stating that a
second cosmetic wing on the 1.8T (which already has a functional spoiler
integrated into the rear window) was NOT recommended because the additional
turbulence could flip the car (that's just nuts..) But I have no doubt that
those cars have smoother air behind them with just the factory spoiler. There
was also a good article in an old Car and driver suggesting that many
(cosmetic)factory wings and spoilers actually slowed cars down due to the
increased drag. (and had no additional traction benefit with the power coming
from the front wheels) Hopefully our beloved black shelves are not among them!
Cathy

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