Reply to "Ground Effects"

Thank you Professor Jim. I read Professor Goran Malmberg's R&D Manual you refered us to with keen interest and must comment. Professor Goran Malmberg's applied downforce theory for his Pantera's center section, underbody panels, fabricated from the interior of his Pantera, appeals to me as being absolutely the right approach. Professor Goran Malmberg's front ground effects aluminum underbody tray looks securely attached and very well designed. I note how he attempts to get the maximum area of coverage, while cutting out just the minimum aluminum to make room for his wheels to turn into.

I agree that the Pantera creates a vacuum effect in the engine compartment, and wonder why there are no rear Pantera underbody trays in application on Pantera's at present.

I want to add that I think Professor Goran Malmberg is way more advanced than I on this topic and would like to invite him to make a presentation to our 'virtual classroom' Pantera Research Seminar: Pantera Under Body Ground Effects.

I saw Professor Goran Malmberg measures ground effect in milimeters of water. This tells me he is using a manometer, which can easily be purchased for cheap, to get those readings. Manometers are also available in mercury, but smaller measurements can be made with mm of water. Then there is a conversion factor to tell what the "pounds of downforce" really are on the front or rear. So, now I'm aware there is an even more inexpensive way to 'measure' downforce.

Thanks to all contributing 'visiting Professors'.

I must review the other research material Professor Jim refered us to. It's a shame the santioning bodies prevent much further R&D in some of these areas with rules changes.