OK, now you know all there is to know about aerodynamic performance wings. Order a side of mashed potatoes and cole slaw and pick up a couple of those Little Bucket Chocolate Parfaits and drive up to the second window.
Aerodynamic GlossaryRear Wing:The function of a rear wing is to reduce lift or create downforce. The upturned shape is reverse compared to an airplane wing, which is intended to create lift.
Rear Spoiler:These are another means of creating rear downforce or reducing lift. Many production cars have movable rear spoilers.
PUR Polyurethane Foam: A common material used for rear spoilers and wings. There are different levels of rigidity based on purpose. Older cars used a very soft compound; newer versions are more rigid. If the part is to be painted, a high percentage of flex prep is added to keep the paint from chipping, although parts such as these are often left black.
Polyurethane RIM (aerolastic):This is created by a chemical reaction between urethane components. Common uses for polyurethane RIM include front spoilers, bumper covers, fender flares, side skirts and rear aprons.
ABS thermoplastic (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene):A hard, rigid plastic used in a similar fashion as RIM. Parts are constructed by warming a flat piece of Lurran and then drawing it over a positive mold. When the part has cured, it is trimmed at the edges. Common uses for ABS plastic include spoilers, gauge housings, bumper covers, fender flares, side skirts and rear aprons.
Injection molding:This is accomplished by melting thermoplastic granules and forcing the liquid into a mold where it is cured. Small pieces such as headlamp covers and trim are made from injection molds.
GFRP Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic:This stuff is often called a generic term-fiberglass, though constructed by a few different methods. With the wet lay-up method, a gel coat is sprayed into a negative mold. followed by layers of resin-soaked glass pads, mats and cloth. Cheaper methods of construction involve using a chopper gun that builds up thickness by mixing resin and chopped glass fibers and spraying them onto the mold. Dry lamination uses a pre-preg mat that is heated with a heat gun and pressed into a mold. Dry lamination is most commonly used with carbon fiber, a material much lighter than glass fiber or Kevlar. Large pieces such as wide body kits, fenders, bumpers and spoilers are made with glass fiber-reinforced plastic.