Understanding Spoilers and Down Force: How They Impact High Speed Performance

[noagname]

I have looked around online and I can't get a straight answer. I understand that spoiler in the back of a car create down force on the rear wheels. But do they place any down force on the front tires? At high speeds don't cars(sports) have problems with the front end having to much air flow underneath it and the front end being lifted. If so how is that problem solved?

 

[sophiecentaur]

I thought that spoilers were there to reduce (spoil) the turbulence at the back which is a major source of drag. Is that wrong?

 

[KingNothing]

I thought that spoilers were there to reduce (spoil) the turbulence at the back which is a major source of drag. Is that wrong?

You are correct; however "spoiler" and "wing" have become synonymous to the layman.

But do they place any down force on the front tires?

No.

At high speeds don't cars(sports) have problems with the front end having to much air flow underneath it and the front end being lifted. If so how is that problem solved?

It isn't solved by spoilers. They are most common for front-engine, rear-wheel drive cars which have enough weight on the front wheels to keep them straight, but need more force on the back wheels to get traction. This problem is generally addressed by making cars that ride very close to the ground to minimize the airflow, and also by shaping the underside of the car body appropriately to not provide lift.

Low to the ground, front wheels for steering only, all the downforce directed to the back wheels by mechanical design and the wing. Designed for extreme speed. Lift is combated by design of the front body.

[PLAIN]http://www.subarupic.com/subaru/car/pictures/2010/04/112-0705-11zpeter-solberg-subaru-impreza-rally-carsliding.jpg
Designed for agility and acceleration: spoiler exists to calm turbulent airflow, all-wheel drive. Liftoff is not an issue as those speeds aren't reached.

 

[rcgldr]

I have looked around online and I can't get a straight answer. I understand that spoiler in the back of a car create down force on the rear wheels. But do they place any down force on the front tires? At high speeds don't cars(sports) have problems with the front end having to much air flow underneath it and the front end being lifted. If so how is that problem solved?

Nascar type racing cars use spoilers in the rear for downforce and air dams / splitters up front to block air flow from getting under the car, which ends up reducing pressure under the front end of the car, creating downforce at the front. Formula 1 and other types of race cars use wings and splitters at the front, wings and diffusers at the back. Indy Racing League cars are also allowed to use ground effects (underbody tunneling) for additional downforce (Formula 1 cars have to use a "skid" plate instead).

Wiki article about diffuser and splitter:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffuser_(automotive)

 

[AugustusM]

Formula 1 and other types of race cars use wings and splitters at the front,

The splitter on an F1 car accelerates air under the floor of the car and provides downforce further back in the car, instead of where the splitter is actually located (in front of the driver).

I believe that the move to high noses from about 1993 onwards is a drive to actually increase airflow under the car in order to improve downforce created by both the splitter and the rear diffuser.

F1 cars also channel exhaust gases into the rear diffuser to create added downforce.

 

[noagname]

Thank you it all makes sense now