In automotive design, a nolder is a small aerodynamic shape integral to bodywork or to an aerodynamic attachment - e.g., a spoiler, diffuser or splitter - perpendicular to the direction of air flow travel for the purpose of further managing and refining airflow. Nolders are used in both high-performance as well as in less critical aerodynamic applications.
Etymology
In 1996, Autocar attributed original use of the term to Ferrari, with other sources citing the nolder as having derived from Formula One Racing, where Ferrari has been prominent. The Formula One Dictionary defines a nolder as "a small upside-down L-shaped aerodynamic appendage generally positioned on the trailing edge of the rear wing to increase downforce at low speed." The Automotive Dictionary defines it as a "very small aerodynamic appendage that fits freely into an aileron profile to increase downforce without affecting drag resistance."
Applications
In the design of high-performance vehicles, a nolder of limited size can significantly increase or decrease the lift of a vehicle's aerodynamic profile. Nolders are also used in less high-performance applications, for example forcing an airflow separation alongside a vertical rear window to minimize debris accumulation, e.g., with a small hatchback.
Examples
Examples include the underside of the Ferrari LaFerrari, which features a nolder to assist with vehicle dynamics. The Ferrari 599 GTO features prominent flanking aerodynamic fins or flying buttresses aside the rear window, maximizing air flow to a linear rear nolder. The Ferrari 355 has a similar nolder profile at the upper portion of its tail. The Koenigsegg CCXR features an optional front splitter with a nolder, and the spoiler at the rear bumper of the Maserati 320S features a supplementary nolder to increase the vertical load to the rear. For airflow management and to assist in keeping the rear window free from dirt, nolders are integral to the rearmost vertical pillar of Mini Cooper models and Fiat 500L.
