Aerodynamic downforce has been the single most significant performance enhancer in motorsport over the past 30 years, but until now little has been written on the subject. In "Competition Car Downforce," Siman McBeath takes a non-academic, practical look at this important discipline. First he tackles the basic theory in a clear, comprehensible way, before examining spoilers, airdams, splitters, wings, tunnels, diffusers, and the host of other downforce-inducing appendages found on modern competition cars. Simple ...
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Aerodynamic downforce has been the single most significant performance enhancer in motorsport over the past 30 years, but until now little has been written on the subject. In "Competition Car Downforce," Siman McBeath takes a non-academic, practical look at this important discipline. First he tackles the basic theory in a clear, comprehensible way, before examining spoilers, airdams, splitters, wings, tunnels, diffusers, and the host of other downforce-inducing appendages found on modern competition cars. Simple calculations enable readers to evaluate the benefits of various set-ups; test and development techniques - both high tech and homespun - are discussed; and practical DIY manufacturing methods are explained. A wide range of open and closed wheel competition cars are examined to see what lessons can be learned. These include Formula 1, CART, Formula 3, Formula Renault Sport, hill-climb and sprint, drag and stock car racing, sports and GT, IMSA/sportscar, Supersports 200, Formula 750, NASCAR, touring and rally cars. As well as making this fascinating engineeing discipline-cum-art form exploitable by all designers, constructors, and practically-minded drivers who want their cars to go faster, "Competition Car Downforce" renders its subject intelligible for trackside and 'armchair' motorsport fans.
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