Aerodynamic Performance of the Underbody and Wings of an Open-Wheel Race Car

Automotive racing is one of the favorite sports of human being. There have been many developments in past decades by car engineers to improve the performance of the engine and increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the race cars to achieve a better lap time and get a better placement safely. One of the ways to improve the aerodynamic performance of a race car is to use rear spoilers. This study by using ANSYS FLUENT numerically investigated the effect of the spoiler shape and setting angle on the aerodynamic characteristics of a race car and then it was validated by conducting wind tunnel experiment. Lift and drag coefficient of NACA0012, NACA4412, and S1223 are determined in Reynold’s number of 2×105 as an airfoil and as spoiler on ERC model which is a conceptual car model inspired by Porsche 911. It was found that ERC model with spoiler would have better aerodynamic efficiency compared to ERC model without spoiler. Also, S1223 at -6 degrees was identified as the optimized configuration as it generates the highest downforce. Even though the drag coefficient at this setting angle is slightly higher, but in terms of stability and handling IT is at its best. Overall, this study would help car manufacturers, for racing and commercial purposes, to have a better insight into the effect of spoiler configuration on the aerodynamic performance of cars. Hence, the stability, handling, and efficiency of the cars can be further improved by selecting the suitable spoiler configuration.

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Improving Aerodynamic Efficiency and Decreasing Drag Coefficient of an F1 in Schools Race Car

Modern Applied Science ◽

10.5539/mas.v15n2p73 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 73

Author(s):

Ao Gai

Keyword(s):

Aerodynamic Drag ◽

Aerodynamic Performance ◽

Original Model ◽

Opportunities To Learn ◽

Aerodynamic Efficiency ◽

Formula One ◽

Race Car ◽

Stem Programs ◽

Solid Edge ◽

Race Cars

To improve the aerodynamic efficiency of a Formula One (F1) in Schools race car, the original model of the car is evaluated and compared with a new design. The ideas behind the new design are supported by research about aerodynamics. Different potential designs are created with CAD software Fusion 360 and evaluated within CFD software Solid Edge 2020 with FloEFD. Empirical data shows how specific changes to the structure of race cars can improve aerodynamic efficiency by decreasing their aerodynamic drag. The experimental data and methods of this study can provide help and guidance for teenagers participating in the F1 in Schools competition program to solve the aerodynamic performance problems of racing cars and thereby increase youth interest in STEM programs, as well as their opportunities to learn about engineering and enter engineering careers.

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A Review of Ground-Effect Diffuser Aerodynamics

Journal of Fluids Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.4040501 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 141 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

O. H. Ehirim ◽

K. Knowles ◽

A. J. Saddington

Keyword(s):

Performance Improvement ◽

Ground Effect ◽

Research Direction ◽

Aerodynamic Performance ◽

Research Data ◽

Car Industry ◽

Race Car ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Auto Racing ◽

Systematic Understanding

The ground-effect diffuser has become a major aerodynamic device on open-wheel racing and sports cars. Accordingly, it is widely considered to be indispensable to their aerodynamic performance, largely due to its significant downforce contribution. However, the physics and characteristics that determine how it generates downforce and its application in the auto racing industry require an in-depth analysis to develop an understanding. Furthermore, research that could generate further performance improvement of the diffuser has not been defined and presented. For these reasons, this review attempts to create a systematic understanding of the physics that influence the performance of the ground-effect diffuser. As a means of doing this, the review introduces research data and observations from various relevant studies on this subject. It then investigates advanced diffuser concepts mainly drawn from the race car industry and also proposes a further research direction that would advance the aerodynamic performance of the diffuser. It is concluded that although the diffuser will continue to be paramount in the aerodynamic performance of racing cars, research is needed to identify means to further enhance its performance.

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Effects of stator splitter blades on aerodynamic performance of a single-stage transonic axial compressor

JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND SCIENCES ◽

10.15282/jmes.14.4.2020.05.0579 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 7369-7378

Author(s):

Ky-Quang Pham ◽

Xuan-Truong Le ◽

Cong-Truong Dinh

Keyword(s):

Stokes Equations ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Axial Compressor ◽

Aerodynamic Performance ◽

Numerical Results ◽

Single Stage ◽

Navier Stokes ◽

Navier Stokes Equations ◽

Operating Stability ◽

Length Coverage

Splitter blades located between stator blades in a single-stage axial compressor were proposed and investigated in this work to find their effects on aerodynamic performance and operating stability. Aerodynamic performance of the compressor was evaluated using three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations using the k-e turbulence model with a scalable wall function. The numerical results for the typical performance parameters without stator splitter blades were validated in comparison with experimental data. The numerical results of a parametric study using four geometric parameters (chord length, coverage angle, height and position) of the stator splitter blades showed that the operational stability of the single-stage axial compressor enhances remarkably using the stator splitter blades. The splitters were effective in suppressing flow separation in the stator domain of the compressor at near-stall condition which affects considerably the aerodynamic performance of the compressor.

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