- 29 Aug 12, 13:50#317435
I've been trying to find an answer to this for yonks but cant get an answer - Why are the rear spoilers positioned so far behind the rear wheels of all race cars. I know it is for downforce but the force created multiplied by the distance from the fulcrum (the wheel) has to be counteracted by a similar force acting in the reverse direction (Newtons laws of motion) or the front wheels will lift off the ground.
So they put a spoiler on the front of the car to counteract that effect - OK fine that will work but would it not be better to bring the rear wing between the wheels so that the force is vectored between the wheels so there is no lifting of the front. The front spoilers would then be providing ALL their effect into improving traction in the front wheels and not counteracting the lifting effect of the rear spoiler. You could then possibly have smaller spoilers to create the same effect and reduce drag?
I'm sure there are aerodynamics boffins who will tell me I'm a prat - fine I'm sure there is a reason but I can't see it so I'm hoping I will be illuminated.
So they put a spoiler on the front of the car to counteract that effect - OK fine that will work but would it not be better to bring the rear wing between the wheels so that the force is vectored between the wheels so there is no lifting of the front. The front spoilers would then be providing ALL their effect into improving traction in the front wheels and not counteracting the lifting effect of the rear spoiler. You could then possibly have smaller spoilers to create the same effect and reduce drag?
I'm sure there are aerodynamics boffins who will tell me I'm a prat - fine I'm sure there is a reason but I can't see it so I'm hoping I will be illuminated.