Analysis of aerodynamic characteristics of racing cars

Abstract

The vehicle performance and stability are significantly affected by its aerodynamic properties. Nowadays, the main target of automotive industry is achieving higher vehicle speed or fuel economy. The flow field around a vehicle is complex and characterized by separation which imposes more detailed design procedure to develop a vehicle fulfilling the main objectives. Larger part of the total road resistance arises from the drag thus much scope is left for improving aerodynamic performance by reducing drag force. The same applies for a racing car which requires as better as possible aerodynamic performance at different speed. In this paper, numerical investigation of air flow around a racing car is conducted using CFD technology. Three small-scale models of racing cars are analyzed. The difference in the geometry is in the front wing and the spoiler between two models having same bodywork, while the third model additionally has different body. It is concluded that the shape of the car elements slightly affects the aerodynamic characteristics. The racing car with the lowest drag is selected and the air distribution around it is further studied by analyzing the vector velocity field and the velocity profile change along the flow direction. Next steps can be taken in order to improve geometry in certain locations to avoid turbulence effects and flow separation.