Rear wings - Cosmetic or Functional

[andylinney]

Having had a good look at my two cars (B4 and B44) I can't help but wonder just how functional the huge rear wings really are.

Sure enough, at full tilt I can imagine there's enough airflow over a car to make a measurable difference but at track cornering speeds (where I'd imagine it'd be of most use) is it more of a cosmetic piece of 'man jewellery'?

I wonder if any of these cars have ever been anywhere near a windtunnel?

[DCM]

Don't think of them as a Wing with an aerdynamic profile, think of them as a Spoiler, used to hit the air and cause a force on the rear axle, and yes they do work, not just on the track, but also whilst jumping.

[metalmickey0]

Yes you do need a rear wing, just try driving it without and you wont get very far. They do indeed press the rear end down into the track.

[andylinney]

Thanks DCM, I guess that explains the steep angle on the spoiler then.

[NeilRalph77]

Also aswell as the areo dynamic advantages of spoilers they come in handy as a marshalling handle!!!!!

[metalmickey0]

Originally Posted by NeilRalph77

advantages of spoilers they come in handy as a marshalling handle!!!!!

Yeah i know as i`ve seen people pull wings off like doing that. I try not too when i marshall

[jukeboxman]

I read somewhere that at speed the downforce acting behind the rear axle reduces front axle loads and lessens the steering effect helping to make cars less twitchy...