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.

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). Investigation into the effect of the wake from a generic formula one car on a downstream vehicle. In International vehicle aerodynamics conference : Holywell Park, Loughborough, UK 14-15 October 2014 (213-223)

• Conference Name: International Vehicle Aerodynamics Conference
• Conference Location: Loughborough, UK
• 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.
• Publisher URL: http://store.elsevier.com/The-International-Vehicle-Aerodynamics-Conference/isbn-9780081001998/