Fenders, Two Leading edges vs surface friction?

[1reason]

Is it better to have the rear wheel fender travel all the way to the front tires and expose the car to greater surface friction (assuming I'm using the correct terminology) or is it better to have two short fenders, each cutting the air?

I can't seem to insert a photo from flickr, but here is a link to help illustrate https://flic.kr/p/mKPsmE

For sack of clarity, let's assume no weight penalty from a longer fender traveling from the back of the front tires to the rear tires.

 

[Kinser Racing]

small

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

Agreed. Long is just wasted weight for what gain?

 

[1reason]

small

Thanks

 

[1reason]

Agreed. Long is just wasted weight for what gain?

Well I guess that was my question. Is surface friction greater or less than leading edge friction?

I expected to hear the opposite, so I'm glad I asked.

There are materials that are so light as to have a de minimis impact on weight. Plus the only weight that would matter is from the COM up to the front edge behind the front wheel(s).

Granted, I may have a situation that is 6 in one hand and half a dozen in the other, but I thought if I was to know, this is the place to ask : 0 )

 

[GravityX]

I would say that if you build up the sides of the car like that, the car would catch a lot of "dirty air"and spoil your run.

 

[Guest]

I would say that if you build up the sides of the car like that, the car would catch a lot of "dirty air"and spoil your run.

+1
All things being equal I think that form drag is about 1/10th of skin friction.

It all adds up though.

The dirty turbulence formed by thiings (like other cars, or front wheels/fenders ) must be much more difficult for the car to swim thru.