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There have been claims that the rear wing on the NASCAR Car of Tomorrow (COT) race car causes lift in the condition where the car spins during a crash and is traveling backwards down the track at high speed [1,2]. When enough lift is generated, the race car can lose control and even become airborne. At least in part, to address this concern, a new rear spoiler was designed by NASCAR to replace the wing and prevent this dangerous condition. This paper looks at the flow characteristics of both the rear wing and the new spoiler using particle image velocimetry (PIV) to provide qualitative analysis as well as flow visualization. In particular, the interaction of these downforce devices with "roof flaps" (which are designed to prevent lift) is explored. These experiments are done in a continuous flow water tunnel having a cross section of 1.0 m2 using a simplified 10% scale model COT body with either a wing or spoiler attached.

This research is in regards to the development of an inexpensive anti-rollover system for use in the trailer axles of a heavy commercial truck. It includes the design and experimental results for a real-time rollover warning system to inform the driver prior to rollover or to initiate stability control algorithms in the vehicle. The developed system in this research uses suspension displacement, lateral acceleration, and wheel speed measurements. These are used to continuously update the calculation of centre of gravity (CG) height which is compared to the lateral acceleration to determine the proximity of rollover.