funboy102 wrote:I don't know bout you guys, but i'm studying aerospace at UCSD right now. Another purpose for a spoiler (wing) in the rear is to keep the air flow over a car laminar (non-turbulent). When air flow stays laminar and not turbulent, the car becomes more aerodynamic and thus "cuts" through the air quicker. There's some great diagrams in the book maybe I can scan later in the day. Any other aero major on the forum that can back me up?
A spoiler does just the opposite of that. It "spoils" the laminar air flow. You do that to prevent creating lift or to create a downforce. A wing may keep a smooth air flow if placed properly but in the average car it would only provide drag.
Oh hey... and wiki backs me up.
wikipedia wrote:A spoiler is an aerodynamic device attached to an automobile whose intended design function is to 'spoil' unfavorable air movement across a body of a car in motion. This can result in improved vehicle stability by decreasing lift or decreasing drag that may cause unpredictable handling in a car at speed. Spoilers are often fitted to race and high-performance sports cars, although they have become common on passenger vehicles, as well. Some spoilers are added to cars primarily for styling purposes and have either little aerodynamic benefit or even make the aerodynamics worse.
Spoilers are often incorrectly confused with, or even used interchangeably with wings. Automotive wings are devices whose intended design is to actually generate downforce as air passes around them, not simply disrupt existing airflow patterns.
by funboy102 » Sat Dec 23, 2006 8:27 pm 
(or perhaps Queen's "Fat Bottom Girls" would be more like it.)
