UK Karting - Notice Board (General Karting) : Re: Helmet Spoiler

Notice Board (General Karting)

Re: Helmet Spoiler
Posted by 'itpro' on 27 Nov 2014 @ 10:20

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itproJoined: August 2001
Total Posts: 6
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Max

Years ago, Ford produced the Capri. It LOOKED 'aerodynamic', but...when tested in a wind tunnel, it performed better if put in BACKWARD than forward and its frontal CD was worse than the original Ford Popular!

When asked, Ford said it had 'Perceived Aerodynamics'. Translated: it LOOKED 'aerodynamic' and that sells cars to the gullible!

Helmet designs in karts are the same. Yes, by definition, everything moving through air is affected by 'aerodynamics' BUT our speed is so low it makes no practical, significant difference to us on short circuits. I am NOT an aerodynamicist but I believe the 'formula' states that the 'downforce' if proportional to the square of the speed. The crude implication of that is that there is a MUCH larger increase in force changing the speed for 90mph to 100mph than there is in (e.g.) 40mph to 50mph.

Still, if you MUST try one, fit it with tape to the helmet but don't let your son SEE if it's fitted or not and get him to try it. If he can correctly guess if the spoiler is fitted or not 100% of the time, then fit it permanently. The reason he shouldn't see it is because kids are spectacularly influenced by fashion and, if he thinks 'all the big boys have them so I want one', then that's EXACTLY what he'll report if he knows.

It's simple, do a proper test. If it does work..... make sure you starch the epaulettes on his race suit at an angle because they'll ALSO make a difference..... (cough!)

Ian

Message Thread:

Helmet Spoiler by 'waynemx5' (26 Nov 2014 @ 22:32)

Re: Helmet Spoiler by 'itpro' (27 Nov 2014 @ 0:14)

Re: Helmet Spoiler by 'PaulMRotax' (27 Nov 2014 @ 7:30)

Re: Helmet Spoiler by 'MaxRacewear' (27 Nov 2014 @ 8:24)

Re: Helmet Spoiler by 'waynemx5' (27 Nov 2014 @ 9:28)

Re: Helmet Spoiler by 'Aquila' (27 Nov 2014 @ 9:30)

Re: Helmet Spoiler by 'Aquila' (27 Nov 2014 @ 9:46)

Re: Helmet Spoiler by 'itpro' << You are here!

Re: Helmet Spoiler by 'alanrr' (27 Nov 2014 @ 12:02)

Re: Helmet Spoiler by 'alanrr' (27 Nov 2014 @ 12:03)

Re: Helmet Spoiler by 'MaxRacewear' (27 Nov 2014 @ 12:51)

The KC3 does have a spoiler or three. nt. by 'alanrr' (27 Nov 2014 @ 15:29)

Thanks I was away from my PC to check nt by 'MaxRacewear' (27 Nov 2014 @ 16:12)

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