Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawaiian
A diffuser is designed to smooth out airflow under the car giving it less drag. As with all performance parts, some are more effective than others.
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I am aware of what a diffuser is designed to do. However, most street cars with a "diffuser" is just a few ribs added onto the bumper to look cool. If a diffuser has an angle that a laminar airflow cannot stick to (~>20°) then the "diffuser" does nothing other than make kids think they are driving a race car.
A real diffuser is a large panel that would extend from the bumper about up to the rear axle. This is becuase of the gentle slope required to make it function and because the larger surface area will generate more downforce (Force=Pressure * Area)
Also one more thing: The airflow entering the diffuser should not be turbulant either. The turbulent air will not give the same "suction" effect because turbulent air fills the void left by the diffuser easier and therefore does not generate as much downforce. This is why most race cars will have a smooth undertray before the air even gets to the diffuser. The airflow should be laminar when it enters the diffuser.
This is why I asked if it functional or bumper art. I imagine it is the latter, but it would be cool if it was functional since some people want to use the FRS as a track car.
example:
diffuser