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Crash Enburn said:
The fenders don't need to be strong. they are just there to deflect air around the wheels. And need only be strong enough not to fall off. /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif

I kinda guessed it was mostly about weight, but was kinda curious.

Still wondering if the front under belly needs to sweep up that much. Aerodynamics speaking that might not be the best shape.
 
Ok so I had some thoughts on fender aerodynamics.
No knocks on Bulldogs video as its pretty great. But it did make me think about this.

Now I'm not an expert and I don't know how low the bottom front of the front fenders can be before they drag the track in the transition curve. But my understanding is the less you disturb the air the better and slow curves are better than sharp ones and in real world racing you want to keep air out from under the car as much as you can.

Anyway, here's some thoughts on paper.


Comments and thoughts are welcome, if I'm wrong I'm wrong, if I'm right, maybe someone will be faster !
 
I don't know aerodynamics, but I think experimentation is great! Very nice designs/sketches.

(We really need a Pinewood Derby windtunnel!)
 
I second the wind tunnel.

The problem with real world race cars vs. PWD cars is that in the PWD we *don't* want downforce. It induces drag which would make the cars slower. However, there may be a balance point at which the downforce will counteract a very short CoM and keep the front wheels on the track that may be faster. Personally, though, I doubt it.
 
Vitamin K said:
I don't know aerodynamics, but I think experimentation is great! Very nice designs/sketches.

(We really need a Pinewood Derby windtunnel!)

Thanks, was fun sketching ideas.
How hard could it be to build a small wind tunnel?
 
Crash Enburn said:
I second the wind tunnel.

The problem with real world race cars vs. PWD cars is that in the PWD we *don't* want downforce. It induces drag which would make the cars slower. However, there may be a balance point at which the downforce will counteract a very short CoM and keep the front wheels on the track that may be faster. Personally, though, I doubt it.

I'm inclined to agree down force (too much anyway)would be bad as would be too much lift and drag is never good. (As if my current car had any aerodynamics, lol).

All I really know is that a tapered or rounded shape passes air better than a sharply pointed shape and steap angles. Smooth air less drag and turbulence.
 
I would so love to make a funny regarding the term "wind tunnel", but I don't want anyone to think I'm any more shallow than I am.
 
gWebber said:
Ok so I had some thoughts on fender aerodynamics. No knocks on Bulldogs video as its pretty great. But it did make me think about this. Now I'm not an expert and I don't know how low the bottom front of the front fenders can be before they drag the track in the transition curve. But my understanding is the less you disturb the air the better and slow curves are better than sharp ones and in real world racing you want to keep air out from under the car as much as you can. Anyway, here's some thoughts on paper. Comments and thoughts are welcome, if I'm wrong I'm wrong, if I'm right, maybe someone will be faster !

Interesting ideas you have there. I'll make you the same offer I made Cramjet and others. If you want to build it, I will test it on my track and any other way I can. /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif Only thing I ask is that you drill the axle holes with a #43 bit, don't ream them, and make sure the drill is good before you put fenders on it. Don't waste your skills on a bad drill. I'll supply my own wheels, axles, weights, and questionable video production skills for the tests and return the body when we're done.
 
someone is a very talented artist. I like the idea for whatever that is worth.
peace
 
Mister B Racing said:
Reminds me of Nellie Faye Fenders.

Yes, my designs are loosely based on the Nellie Faye fenders. I hoped to get some to mess with in the future, but they are out of stock.