An aerodynamically effective attachment part or spoiler extension is disclosed. The spoiler extension includes a guide arrangement having a first guide element formed between the spoiler extension and a base body of the spoiler arrangement. Transfer of the spoiler extension is guided from a release position, in which the spoiler extension is detachable from the base body, along at transfer direction into a locking position, in which the spoiler extension is secured on the base body. The spoiler extension includes a securing element able to secure the spoiler extension automatically on the base body of the spoiler arrangement in the locking position.

A laterally extending aerodynamic deflector panel disposed upstream in front of an otherwise exposed uppermost portion of a vehicle wheel assembly, and arranged to divert headwinds from otherwise impinging upon drag-magnified uppermost wheel surfaces to thereby minimize overall vehicle drag.

A front spoiler arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a support component, a flow guiding component, which is positioned on the support component in a movable way between a further retracted position and a further extracted position, a guiding formation, which guides the movement between the two positions and a moving actuator, which is coupled to the flow guiding component by way of a coupling element, the coupling element and at least one component of either the moving actuator and the flow guiding component are coupled to each other through a connection arrangement, which has a surmountable detent formation, which separates from each other two possible relative operating positions between a component and the coupling element, i.e. a normal operating position and an emergency operating position, wherein a retraction movement of the flow guiding component in the direction opposite to the further extracted position beyond a retracted end position is mechanically prevented.

A spoiler lip for arranging on a front part of a vehicle is formed from a fiber composite plastic having at least one bidirectional reinforcing layer made of reinforcing fibers and a plastic matrix which contains an elastomer. The plastic matrix may also contain a thermoset in an embodiment of the spoiler lip.

A rectifying device includes a rectifying member that is provided on a rear side of a vehicle with respect to a constituent member of a suspension device to extend substantially along a vehicle width direction and project downward. The constituent member of the suspension device is disposed to at least partly project from an underside part of a vehicle body and has a lower end disposed to be inclined in a front view of the vehicle. A lower edge of the rectifying member projects downward beyond the constituent member, and is inclined in a same direction as the lower end of the constituent member in the front view of the vehicle.

Apparatuses and methods reducing the amount of drag on a vehicle are provided. In some embodiments, the proposed apparatuses are configured to remain stowed in a sidewall of the vehicle when not in use, thereby maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, while in other embodiments the apparatus is static and fixed along the sides of the vehicle. In one example, an aerodynamic apparatus includes a tapered structure, in which an inner side panel is substantially planar, and an outer side panel has a convex curvature.

A semitrailer underbody screen and wheel-set fairing kit comprises several panels and fairings for retrofitting on conventional semitrailers. A sectioned panel like fish scales covers the dozens of transverse I-beam cross-members positioned underneath conventional enclosed trailer floors, and carries on down the length of the underbody. A v-hull air deflector is set just beneath these panel covers, ahead of the semitrailer's undercarriage, suspension and tandem rear axle wheels. Such v-hull air deflector splits and aerodynamically “flows” the air being pushed ahead outwards to the sides and around the wheels. The tandem rear axle wheels themselves are completely boxed inside full fenders that cowl over the front, sides, top, and rear. Removable access panels are provided on the outsides of the full fender units for wheel and tire maintenance. The result is significantly less wind drag and noise at highway cruising speeds. Less drag means better fuel economy for the tractor operator.

A method of increasing the performance of an aircraft, missile, munition or ground vehicle with plasma actuators, and more particularly of controlling fluid flow across their surfaces or other surfaces which would benefit from such a method, includes the design of an aerodynamic plasma actuator for the purpose of controlling airflow separation over a control surface of a aircraft, missile, or a ground vehicle, and a method of determining a modulation frequency for the plasma actuator for the purpose of fluid flow control over these vehicles. Various embodiments provide steps to increase the efficiency of aircraft, missiles, munitions and ground vehicles. The method of flow control reduces the power requirements of the aircraft, missile, munition or ground vehicle. These methods also provide alternative aerodynamic control using low-power hingeless plasma actuator devices.