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Investigation into the effect of the wake from a generic formula one car on a downstream vehicle

Newbon, J.J.; Sims-Williams, D.B.; Dominy, R.G.

Authors

J.J. Newbon

R.G. Dominy



Abstract

The aerodynamic performance of an open wheel race car is significantly affected when following another vehicle. This paper presents experimental and CFD results for a generic 25% scale Formula one car operating in the wake of another vehicle. Different approaches are investigated including a short-axial-length bluff body, two-car CFD simulations and single car CFD with a wake imposed on the inlet boundary. The following vehicle experienced downforce losses of over 60% with an accompanying rearwards shift of the aerodynamic centre of pressure which leads to handling imbalance The front wing loses both downforce and efficiency (L/D) while the underfloor and rear wing experience larger downforce losses than the front wing but their efficiencies remain approximately constant.

Citation

Newbon, J., Sims-Williams, D., & Dominy, R. (2014, October). Investigation into the effect of the wake from a generic formula one car on a downstream vehicle. Presented at International Vehicle Aerodynamics Conference, Loughborough, UK

Presentation Conference Type Conference Paper (published)
Conference Name International Vehicle Aerodynamics Conference
Publication Date Oct 23, 2014
Deposit Date Dec 31, 2014
Pages 213-223
Book Title International vehicle aerodynamics conference : Holywell Park, Loughborough, UK 14-15 October 2014.
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1153340
Publisher URL http://store.elsevier.com/The-International-Vehicle-Aerodynamics-Conference/isbn-9780081001998/