Bargeboards are aerodynamic add-on parts that were previously used in relatively simple variants in racing. The articles are also simply referred to as air deflectors and are intended to provide more downforce on the vehicle. Nowadays complex bargeboards are used that serve as vortex generators and create certain air vortices.
Bargeboards – Turning vanes, Vortex Generator & Co.
Vortex generators create air vortices and have a complex structure. The air generated by the vortices is directed to the rear of the vehicle and flows towards the diffuser. The air conduction takes place via complex channels. As a result, energy is generated. While the complex bargeboards in the form of vortex generators are used in racing today, simpler bargeboard variants were used in the past. Bargeboards can also be found in the tuning area. Also known as turning vanes, bargeboards are air baffles designed to give a vehicle an aerodynamic advantage.
How are bargeboards constructed?
Bargeboards are attached to the vehicle wings on both sides. For example, the vehicle wings are installed from the nose of the vehicle to the car cockpit. Bargeboards serve to stabilize and transfer air turbulence. Air turbulence is also referred to as dirty air. The turbulence that occurs on the wheel suspension and on the front wing is passed on via the bargeboard.
What is the purpose of bargeboards?
Air turbulence occurs while driving, which must be kept away from the vehicle wings. The wings are responsible for the downforce of a vehicle. Bargeboards are used to keep the turbulent air away from the wings. These ensure a reduction in air resistance. The resulting air flow is routed to the vehicle radiators via side channels. By forwarding the air currents, the energy can be used sensibly. The air currents are used to cool the engine components. There are also variants in which the flow via the sidepods (if available) and is no longer used. However, directing the flow is a concept that is rarely applied. However, it can make sense to channel very strong air turbulence away from sensitive engine components. If strong winds are to be expected or the air flow could hit very sensitive vehicle parts, then bargeboards should be used to divert them completely or only partially.
the use of generated energy
Energy can also be obtained from air turbulence and used sensibly. Bargeboards can transfer the resulting air turbulence to vehicle components and contribute to the cooling of the components concerned. In racing, modern bargeboards are designed in such a way that they even generate air turbulence and then use the energy for cooling. It is important that modern bargeboards also reduce abrasion and contribute to the advantageous aerodynamics of the racing car. The system is mainly known from Formula 1. For tuners, the concept of energy generation and energy use can also be interesting. As a rule, the bargeboards are used in the tuning area, but rather because of the sporty look of the components.
We hope that you have received our information report on the topic / term bargeboards (Other designations/keywords are: air baffle plates, turbulator, turbulence, turning vanes, vortex generators, vortex generator, vortex generator) from the Autotuning category.