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Formula One Front Wing Aerodynamic Performance in Racing Conditions

The document summarizes research being conducted at Durham University on the aerodynamic performance of Formula One front wings in racing conditions. The research aims to analyze the dominant flow characteristics of the wake region behind an F1 car and how these turbulent flow features impact the aerodynamic performance of the front wing of a following car. Wind tunnel testing will be used to study the wake region up to 3 car lengths downstream at scales of 1/6th and 1/4th. Various measurement techniques will analyze turbulence and flow properties and their effect on front wing performance. The research seeks to identify ways to improve front wing performance in a wake to allow for more overtaking in races.

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54 views1 page

Formula One Front Wing Aerodynamic Performance in Racing Conditions

The document summarizes research being conducted at Durham University on the aerodynamic performance of Formula One front wings in racing conditions. The research aims to analyze the dominant flow characteristics of the wake region behind an F1 car and how these turbulent flow features impact the aerodynamic performance of the front wing of a following car. Wind tunnel testing will be used to study the wake region up to 3 car lengths downstream at scales of 1/6th and 1/4th. Various measurement techniques will analyze turbulence and flow properties and their effect on front wing performance. The research seeks to identify ways to improve front wing performance in a wake to allow for more overtaking in races.

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alagarg137691
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Durham University School of Engineering: Research Day 25.06.

07

Formula One Front Wing Aerodynamic Performance


in Racing Conditions
Michael Wilson, Energy Group
m.r.wilson1@[Link]
1. What?
The performance of modern Formula One cars is largely dictated by their aerodynamics. The
aerodynamic development of these cars is carried out using a combination of wind tunnel testing and
computational fluid dynamics, where a consistent and undisturbed ’clean’ airflow can be achieved.
However, during the course of a Grand Prix it is likely the cars will spend much of their time behind
other cars, where the wake region left by the leading car is highly turbulent and non-uniform. Whilst
operating in this wake region the aerodynamic performance of the car will differ from that which
is achieved when operating in clean air. Current research in this area at Durham University is
focussing on identifying the dominant flow characteristics of the wake region of an F1 car. Then,
the precise effect that these flow features have upon the aerodynamic performance of the following
car, in particular the performance of the front wing, can be analysed.
2. Why?
When operating in the wake of another car, the aerodynamic performance of an F1 car is greatly
reduced. It is the front wing of the car which is most affected by the wake region and it is widely
known that due to a dramatic loss in the downforce generated by the front wing, an F1 car will
experience a large rearward shift of the centre of pressure when following behind another car [1].
This rearward shift of the centre of pressure results in the car developing understeer, reducing
cornering speeds. For the large part this prevents a following car from getting close enough to a
leading car to be able overtake, causing the largely processional races seen in recent times. By
investigating the precise effect that the wake region has on the aerodynamic performance of the
front wing, potential performance increases can be found which may lead to more exciting racing
with more overtaking.
3. How?
Using the Durham University School of Engineering 2m2 and 1m2 wind tunnels, analysis of the
wake region can be conducted. The size of these tunnels allows work to be carried out at 1/6th
and 1/4th scales respectively. At this scale, the length of the rolling road in the 2m2 facility allows
wake surveys to be carried out up to 3 car lengths downstream of a leading car. Use of various
wind tunnel equipment and techniques, such as hot wire and 5-hole probes and PIV systems, will
allow turbulence intensity and length scales as well as flow directions and major flow features to
be determined. The effect of the interaction between the various features of the wake region and
the front wing can then be investigated. Front wings equipped with force balances, static pressure
tappings and surface hot films as well as previously mentioned wind tunnel techniques will allow
the aerodynamic performance of the wing to be analysed. CFD could also be used if it is found to
be appropriate. Further work may also be carried out on the effect of other racing conditions, such
as the forced vibration of the front wing due to braking and acceleration or track features such as
kerbs.

Reference
1 Dominy, R G, The influence of slipstreaming on the performance of a Grand Prix racing car,
Proc I Mech Eng, J Automobile Eng, 204, 1990, 35-40.

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