How Do You Construct A Race Car Wing Profile?

One of the biggest differences between a race car and a road-going sports car is the function of spoilers (a.k.a., wings). Many sports cars have added-on spoilers just for looks, but in a race car they are there for different reasons. Spoilers are designed to help a car hug the road, create more grip and ultimately corner faster. The process for creating a spoiler is complicated, expensive and requires a lot of knowledge of aerodynamics. The function of a spoiler is to create down-force. Down-force is the force created by the air flowing over the spoiler. This technology is very similar to the way aircraft wings are designed, only in reverse. In a racing spoiler, the bottom end is curved upward from front to back. This shape accelerates the air flowing over the spoiler upward and thus pushing the spoiler down. This technology has become so advanced that at high speeds many Formula One teams have claimed their car creates enough down-force that it could actually drive upside down. ...  more