Question for everyone: I want to build a dual element wing off the back supported by the end plates. Below is my crude drawing in GIMP of what it might look like. The black lines will be 1/8" wire rope to keep the rear element square and supported from being pushed backward by air. The elements will be two 70" wings with a 9 7/8" chord. I already had one of the wings (current setup pictured at bottom), so I just bought another one. I expect the width of the end plates (front to back) to be about 14" - 16". I'll probably push the element up a little higher than my crude picture, I want clean air over the top of the car hitting the wing, but this image should work for illustration.
The question is, does anyone have a suggestion on how thick the alluminum end plates should be. I'm going to head to my local supermarket of metals and buy a sheet of aluminum to cut and bend to the size I want, but I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions now how thick it should be.
Any other comments appreciated as well. I'm also not worried about meeting any class of a sanctioning body, this is a car I have fun with on PDX and Autocross.
jcc
New Reader
1/12/25 4:16 p.m.
I'm having difficulty visualizing your package with out any body work. More to your question,. Are you proposing fabricating your own wing elements here?
If so, that is above my pay grade. If we are discussing purchased wings mounted by DIY end plates, I'm all in,
Not sure on an end plate what would need bending in alum. I would lean towards a DIY CF/ multiply birch end plate that is designed well and properly mounted that would negate most needs for any wire stiffening.
If the latter I'll gladly contribute what i know.
Like this... 3/16" Aluminum works. Many brake the rear edge about a 1/4" outward for stiffness. Used municipal "no parking" signs work well also. The wires OP wrote about should not be needed if wing assembly is built correctly.
jcc
New Reader
1/13/25 6:24 a.m.
Thankyou.
Looks to me like #48 end plates are are a tad short, in that they may be effective in preventing upper flow from rolling over the end contaminating the lower air pressure under the wing, but it still does not prevent air from spilling off the upper surface very well IMO.
Compromises, compromises. In that particular class the whole structure can only be so far above the track surface. Thus, that competitor was probably trying to get the wing as high as possible. Yes there are better designs. That is just a quick example for the OP for how to build strong supporting end plates without need for cables etc.
Since the OP doesn't have to follow any rule set in his application, he can maximize his design... maybe a big WOO wing mounted on top. LOL