Barge Board / Flat Floor Design
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 1,170
Total Cats: 581
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Appreciate the feedback and photos so far. I'm curious about the leading element question, but I have a gut feel that's too far into CFD land to have conclusive evidence that makes it worth the effort.
As far as mounting is concerned, what is the rough feel for the weight that a flat floor needs to support? I can stand on my splitter leading edge (175lbs) without issues. Is it safe to say you should design a flat floor with similar capabilities? My intention is to add the least amount of weight as possible which ties into hardware / bracket quantities and sizes.
Edit: I don't intend to be able to stand on my barge board
As far as mounting is concerned, what is the rough feel for the weight that a flat floor needs to support? I can stand on my splitter leading edge (175lbs) without issues. Is it safe to say you should design a flat floor with similar capabilities? My intention is to add the least amount of weight as possible which ties into hardware / bracket quantities and sizes.
Edit: I don't intend to be able to stand on my barge board
#23
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Personally I would consider ability to apply a human sized load to barge boards a decent test given the loads it will see are likely under such a force.
I would also imagine that such a test is not as necessary because the lower pressure areas will be near the pressure differential creating areas.
So the splitter and the diffuser and the parts near them will need the most support but how much depends on your efficiency and design.
A brief look through McBeth will show that the forces are not just applied at the devices and the devices design affects how much of that is on the central floor portion.
I would also imagine that such a test is not as necessary because the lower pressure areas will be near the pressure differential creating areas.
So the splitter and the diffuser and the parts near them will need the most support but how much depends on your efficiency and design.
A brief look through McBeth will show that the forces are not just applied at the devices and the devices design affects how much of that is on the central floor portion.
#25
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
In Moti's Morpheus MotoIQ article it is stated that his front splitter does this but I am not sure of the timeline and whether it actually worked.
Its also worth noting Moti runs aggressive spring rates so likely will have a different affect than people who have bounce in their shocks.
From your pictures I would also recommend shaping that rear flap some what to make it less abrupt. Sharp turns generally create drag by the bucket. Once again you can look to Moti (I think on Morpheus) for a single panel design that curves out allowing gentle change of direction.
#27
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'd believe elements on the barge board would more care and work than the average person has resources for.
I would also assume that anything on the barge board would be preparing air for use by something further downstream (ie not the barge board). My assumption for this is that vortices and such take "time" (ie distance) to form so elements that aren't dive plates won't apply their effects until after. Those effects could also be unhelpful or far wider ranging than initially though without testing, CFD or both.
I would also assume that anything on the barge board would be preparing air for use by something further downstream (ie not the barge board). My assumption for this is that vortices and such take "time" (ie distance) to form so elements that aren't dive plates won't apply their effects until after. Those effects could also be unhelpful or far wider ranging than initially though without testing, CFD or both.
#31
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 1,170
Total Cats: 581
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I like the concept of using a flush mounting method, but I'm not sure I'd trust Dzus fasteners for a load bearing in that direction. I'm currently digging around hardware websites to find a combination with a bit more positive retention like Moti has mentioned. Most of what I'm finding is going to force me to give up having true flush mounting. Not sure a bolt head sticking <1/4" from the surface of the flat floor will give noticeable air flow issues.
#33
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
In for pictures of how these things are mounted on other's cars.
For Street/StreetMod class TA cars, the bargeboard outboard edge may extend up to 3" past the body and the inboard edge may not extend past the pinchweld which removes the possibility of mounting it to the frame.
I'm looking for inspiration. Trying to come up with an incomplex way to mount the bargeboard to only the pinchweld that still provides sufficient support for the loading the board may see.
Materials:
I'm considering PVC trim board for ease of machining and price. (Can be purchased locally for cheap) A quick search says I can expect roughly 1.1lb per foot on the 8 inch wide board (might be too wide)
For Street/StreetMod class TA cars, the bargeboard outboard edge may extend up to 3" past the body and the inboard edge may not extend past the pinchweld which removes the possibility of mounting it to the frame.
I'm looking for inspiration. Trying to come up with an incomplex way to mount the bargeboard to only the pinchweld that still provides sufficient support for the loading the board may see.
Materials:
I'm considering PVC trim board for ease of machining and price. (Can be purchased locally for cheap) A quick search says I can expect roughly 1.1lb per foot on the 8 inch wide board (might be too wide)
Last edited by ChrisLol; 10-17-2018 at 03:49 PM.
#34
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
In for pictures of how these things are mounted on other's cars.
For Street/StreeMod class TA cars, the bargeboard outboard edge may extend up to 3" past the body and the inboard edge may not extend past the pinchweld which removes the possibility of mounting it to the frame.
I'm looking for inspiration. Trying to come up with an incomplex way to mount the bargeboard to only the pinchweld that still provides sufficient support for the loading the board may see.
Materials:
I'm considering PVC trim board for ease of machining and price. (Can be purchased locally for cheap) A quick search says I can expect roughly 1.1lb per foot on the 8 inch wide board (might be too wide)
For Street/StreeMod class TA cars, the bargeboard outboard edge may extend up to 3" past the body and the inboard edge may not extend past the pinchweld which removes the possibility of mounting it to the frame.
I'm looking for inspiration. Trying to come up with an incomplex way to mount the bargeboard to only the pinchweld that still provides sufficient support for the loading the board may see.
Materials:
I'm considering PVC trim board for ease of machining and price. (Can be purchased locally for cheap) A quick search says I can expect roughly 1.1lb per foot on the 8 inch wide board (might be too wide)
#38
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
On the point of attachment of flat floors to the vehicle, I contacted a company here in the UK called Clarendon Speciality Fasteners with regards to my solitter design. Their aerocatches have a safe working limit of 270kg per catch! (Whats that like 500lb?) Meaning a set of two for ~$50 should be capable of supporting 1000lbs and still be quick release.
Certainly will be looking to utilise these on my splitter
Wilson
Certainly will be looking to utilise these on my splitter
Wilson
#40
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 1,170
Total Cats: 581
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Edit: and Moti I was aware of your setup. Super nice. I just know that's not really an "off the shelf" design which is more where I was trying to direct ideas to. Do you have any rough estimate on sale price for pucks like that? I'd imagine they aren't the cheapest thing to turn out on the lathe and drill press.
Last edited by Padlock; 10-17-2018 at 06:20 PM.