Aerodynamics of a bug

[evilC]

Originally Posted by Jadewombat

Also, has anyone considered doing a mod. like this to the front hood? A lot of the 911 guys do it to vent the oil cooler up front up through the hood as well as create more downforce on the front end. I see this on Nobles and some other cars as well. Not quite sure how it works though, creates an air pocket to disrupt the high pressure zone on the front half of the hood vs. low pressure on the back half?

The Clan Crusader is often modified with this type of duct but it has an adverse effect in that the downfoce at the front is excessive and although the rear is designed for downforce and Kamm rear the imbalance is noticeable and thus ought to have a full rear wing, that in some instances the rules will not allow.
As Wally says the bugs bodyshape doesn't lend itself to this kind of ducting. To get it to fit would result in the outlet being close to the high pressure area at the base of the windscreen reducing the effectiveness of the duct and causing turbulance that will disrupt wiper and vent function. Given this it would seem better to vent the cooler into the wheel arch (fender) and then vent this away down the side of the car. Holes at the base of the arch or better still a louvre section onto the top would create suction to assist.

Clive