http://www.droptail.com/droptail-aerodynamics.html
Streamers illustrate airstream behavior as tailgate opens into a spoiler position, then closes, at speed. Images suggest a constrained airstream inside the bed with streamers pushed down onto bed floor when gate closed, and a release of airstream out the rear of the bed & vehicle with a partial opening of the gate. Improved mileage (aerodynamics) occurs at this equillibrium point of transition, or spoiler position. JSC Engineering, Inc. info@droptail.com 818 878-0578 http://www.droptail.com
Interesting experiment. I'd like to model it in a CFD program. My intuition tells me that with it up, the air stream is riding over a cushion of high pressure air in the bed versus when it is slightly open, the air stream is sliding off the tailgate. Friction of air on air is less then air on steel...
joshuwa88 1 year ago