Side Skirt Aerodynamic Effects And Mounting Solutions
Side skirts, those seemingly cosmetic additions to your vehicle, are more than just aesthetic enhancements. They play a crucial role in a car's aerodynamics, impacting its performance and efficiency. This article delves into the aerodynamic effects of side skirts and explores various mounting solutions, providing a comprehensive understanding for car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Understanding Side Skirt Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics is the study of how air moves around objects. In the context of automobiles, controlling airflow is paramount for reducing drag, increasing downforce, and improving overall stability. Side skirts contribute to these goals by influencing the airflow along the sides of the vehicle.
Reducing Drag
One of the primary functions of side skirts is to minimize the amount of air flowing underneath the car. When air travels beneath a vehicle, it often becomes turbulent, creating drag and slowing the car down. Side skirts act as barriers, deflecting air around the sides of the car instead. By reducing the amount of air flowing underneath, side skirts contribute to a lower coefficient of drag, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and higher top speeds.
Think of it like this: a smooth, flat surface experiences less resistance moving through air than a surface with many bumps and crevices. Side skirts help create a smoother airflow profile along the bottom edge of the car, minimizing these disruptive elements.
Increasing Downforce
While primarily focused on reducing drag, well-designed side skirts can also contribute to increasing downforce. Downforce is the force that pushes the car down onto the road, improving grip and handling, especially at higher speeds. By carefully shaping the side skirts, engineers can create a pressure differential that forces air downwards, generating a small amount of downforce. This is especially true when side skirts are integrated with other aerodynamic components, such as front splitters and rear diffusers.
However, it's important to note that the downforce generated by side skirts alone is usually minimal compared to other aerodynamic devices. Their primary role remains drag reduction, with downforce being a secondary benefit.
Improving Stability
Side skirts also play a role in improving the vehicle's stability, particularly in crosswind conditions. By providing a more consistent and predictable airflow along the sides of the car, side skirts can reduce the impact of crosswinds on the vehicle's handling. This is especially important for taller vehicles or those with a higher center of gravity.
Without side skirts, crosswinds can create uneven pressure distribution on the sides of the car, leading to instability and making it more difficult to maintain a straight line. Side skirts help to equalize the pressure, making the car more stable and predictable in windy conditions.
Side Skirt Materials and Design Considerations
The effectiveness of side skirts is heavily influenced by their material and design. Common materials include:
- Fiberglass: Relatively inexpensive and easy to mold, but can be prone to cracking upon impact.
- Polyurethane: More flexible and durable than fiberglass, offering better resistance to impacts.
- Carbon Fiber: Lightweight and extremely strong, but also the most expensive option. Often chosen for performance applications.
- ABS Plastic: A common and affordable option offering a good balance of durability and cost.
Design considerations include the height, shape, and extension of the side skirt. A higher side skirt will generally be more effective at blocking airflow underneath the car, but may also increase the risk of scraping on speed bumps or curbs. The shape of the side skirt can also influence the airflow, with some designs incorporating subtle curves or angles to optimize performance. The extension of the side skirt beyond the body of the car can also impact its effectiveness, with longer extensions generally providing greater drag reduction.
It is crucial to select a side skirt design that is compatible with the overall aerodynamic profile of your vehicle. Simply adding any side skirt without considering its impact on the overall airflow can actually negatively affect performance.
Side Skirt Mounting Solutions
Proper installation is critical for ensuring that side skirts function as intended and remain securely attached to the vehicle. Here's an overview of common mounting solutions:
OEM Mounting Points
Many vehicles come with pre-existing mounting points specifically designed for installing side skirts. These mounting points typically consist of holes or brackets located along the rocker panel. Using OEM mounting points is generally the preferred method, as it ensures a secure and precise fit.
When using OEM mounting points, be sure to use the correct hardware (screws, clips, and fasteners) specified by the manufacturer. Using incorrect hardware can damage the mounting points or result in a loose and insecure fit.
Self-Tapping Screws
Self-tapping screws are a common and relatively simple mounting solution. These screws are designed to create their own threads as they are driven into the body of the car. While self-tapping screws can be effective, they are not as strong or secure as OEM mounting points. It's crucial to choose the correct size and type of self-tapping screw for the application.
Important: When using self-tapping screws, be careful not to overtighten them, as this can strip the threads or damage the surrounding material. Pre-drilling a pilot hole can help to prevent these issues.
Adhesive Tape
High-strength adhesive tape, such as 3M VHB tape, can be used to supplement other mounting methods or as a primary mounting solution for lighter side skirts. Adhesive tape provides a strong and flexible bond that can help to distribute stress and prevent vibrations. However, it's essential to properly prepare the surfaces before applying the tape. This typically involves cleaning and degreasing the surfaces to ensure optimal adhesion.
Proper surface preparation is key to achieving a strong and durable bond with adhesive tape. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Rivets
Rivets provide a strong and permanent mounting solution. They involve drilling holes through both the side skirt and the body of the car, then inserting a rivet and using a rivet gun to secure it in place. Rivets are particularly well-suited for applications where a high degree of strength and security is required.
Using rivets requires specialized tools and skills. It's essential to carefully measure and drill the holes to ensure a precise fit. Also, be aware that rivets are a permanent mounting solution, so removing the side skirts will require drilling out the rivets.
Combination of Methods
In many cases, the best mounting solution involves a combination of different methods. For example, you might use OEM mounting points in conjunction with adhesive tape or self-tapping screws to provide added security and stability. The specific combination of methods will depend on the design of the side skirts, the construction of the vehicle, and the desired level of security.
Installation Tips and Considerations
- Preparation is key: Before starting the installation process, thoroughly clean and prepare the surfaces where the side skirts will be mounted. This includes removing any dirt, grease, or wax.
- Dry fit: Always dry fit the side skirts before permanently attaching them. This will allow you to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
- Use the correct tools: Use the appropriate tools for each mounting method. This will help to ensure a clean and professional installation.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. This will help to avoid any errors or damage.
- Consider professional installation: If you are not comfortable installing the side skirts yourself, consider having them professionally installed.
Conclusion
Side skirts are a valuable addition to any vehicle, offering both aerodynamic benefits and aesthetic appeal. By understanding the principles of side skirt aerodynamics and choosing the right mounting solution, you can enhance your car's performance, stability, and overall appearance. Remember to prioritize proper installation to ensure that your side skirts function as intended and remain securely attached to the vehicle for years to come. Don't underestimate the power of a well-chosen and properly installed set of side skirts!