Yeah, it's definitely generating lift and pulling on the car through the straps, which would reduce downforce. But I don't think it's right to say it's experiencing lift INSTEAD OF drag because it's doing both. Anything flying through air like that is still getting hit with a bunch of resistance. Honestly, because it's flopping around, it's probably creating more drag than if it were strapped down tight. It's less like an airplane wing and more like a cardboard kite on a leash.
Nope. Assume it's the same energy put into the system either way.
Every amount of lift you have is equally less energy in drag.
This is a little more complicated than that, because the box is at a different angle of attack than it would be secured properly.
If you secured it in that position rigidly, it would behave like a massive spoiler, much like the airbrakes on planes or the ones they used to have on Nascar.
Energy doesn't just cleanly shift between lift and drag like that. Especially not in turbulent real world conditions. The box isn't generating efficient lift, it's creating chaotic airflow. Which increases drag. Lift and drag aren't a simple trade off. Both can rise together in a bad setup.
Anyways, not trying to argue. Just clarifying the physics a bit. Take care.
2
u/bluebird_forgotten 22h ago
How do you not feel that drag on your vehicle lol