Diffusers explained - automotive aerodynamics

[kach22i]

Looks like a good article on automotive aerodynamics, enjoy.

Diffusers explained
http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/f1/316271/diffusers-explained.html

'The key role of the diffuser on a modern racecar is to accelerate the flow of air under the car, creating an area of low pressure, thus increasing downforce.'

More short tech articles here:
http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/1/technology.html

[john70t]

Guy was able to get up to 95mpg with some homemade mods. http://www.aerocivic.com/
It's been done before. http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2007/02/aerodynamic-marvels.html

Wasen't it the Petty's Superbird that taught American racing that adding hp to a brick doesn't work.

[Schumi]

john- re: your links...

the diffuser does not decrease drag, that's not the purpose. The purpose is to increase downforce without increasing drag, thus increasing L/D.

[Won]

From the aero civic page:

Another fringe benefit is protection from damage when encountering deer on the road, the low sloped front of the car scoops them up and over the top of the car with minimal damage to both deer and car.

Uh, no.