Analysis of Racing Car Wing Aerodynamics Using Two Effective Computational Methods

Project Proposal 1
Analysis of Racing Car Wing Aerodynamics Using Two Effective Computational Methods
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Project Proposal 2
Executive Summary
This project is about analyzing aerodynamics of a racing car wing using two main computational
methods: computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and wind tunnel test. The main aim of
the project is to examine how aerodynamics affect the performance of racing cars. CFD
simulation is based on theoretical calculations of aerodynamics while wind tunnel is based on
experimental analysis of aerodynamics that presents real conditions. Therefore wind tunnel test
provides more realistic results on the performance of racing car. For this reason, results obtained
from CFD simulation have to be verified with the wind tunnel test results. In this project, a
racing car wing’s aerodynamic model will be established and analyzed. The difference between
results obtained from CFD simulation and wind tunnel test is expected to be small. In both tests,
six components (namely drag force, side force, lift force, rolling moment, yawing moment and
pitching moments) and torques of the aerodynamic model will be measured.

Project Proposal 3
Table of Contents
Executive Summary...................................................................................................................................2
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................4
2. Literature Review..............................................................................................................................5
3. Research Question, Aims/Objectives and Sub-goals.......................................................................8
4. Theoretical Content...........................................................................................................................8
5. Experimental Set-up..........................................................................................................................9
5.1. Wind tunnel testing....................................................................................................................9
5.2. CFD simulation........................................................................................................................10
6. Results, Outcome and Relevance....................................................................................................11
7. Project Planning..............................................................................................................................12
8. Conclusions......................................................................................................................................13
References................................................................................................................................................14

Project Proposal 4
1. Introduction
Aerodynamics is a very important element in the performance of racing cars. The speed
and efficiency of these cars are largely influenced by how air flows around their bodies
(Diasinos, et al., 2014). This drives designers of the cars to ensure that air flow round the cars’
wings provide minimal air drag force and reasonable downward pressure. A racing car’s wing
comprises of three main parts: top/front wings, bottom/rear wings and wings on both sides of the
car. These components have a direct impact on the car’s aerodynamic downforce. Downforce
refers to the downward thrust that is created by the car’s aerodynamic characteristics. The front
wings are more aerodynamically efficient than the other parts because they affect how air flows
at the other components (TotalSim Ltd, 2016). These wings create downforce that is responsible
for enhancing grip of the car’s front tires, and also optimizes air flow to the other parts of the car
(Formula One World Championship Limited, 2017). The wings on both sides of the car are
responsible for guiding flow of air front the front to the rear side. The rear wings are less
aerodynamically efficient because air flow at them is affected by other components of the car
such as front wheels, front wings, mirrors, exhaust, driver’s helmet, etc. Nevertheless, the rear
wings are expected to produce more than double the downforce produced by the front wings for
the driver to handle and balance the car efficiently. To achieve this, the aspect ratio of the rear
wing is larger. These wings also have additional elements that help in increasing downforce.
Both front and rear wings are mainly used in acceleration, cornering and braking forces (Rapid-
Racer.com, 2016).
This project will examine the aerodynamics of the entire wing, which has to be designed
such that it reduces drag and increases downforce (reduce lift and increase grip) so that the car
can move at its design speed, even when negotiating a corner, without being lifted off the track.