Computational fluid dynamics analysis of inverted multi-element airfoils in ground effect

Formula SAE vehicles are formula styled (open-wheeled and open cockpit) racecars that are designed to race on an autocross circuit. Highly competitive Formula SAE cars in the competition implement aerodynamic devices, which generate negative lift for the vehicle. This negative lift, or downforce, increases the amount of traction between the racecar’s tires and the ground that ultimately allows drivers to turn at faster speeds. Commonly used aerodynamic devices are a front and rear wing; the wing cross sections are defined by configurations of multiple 2D airfoils. This paper focuses on the systematic design of a Formula SAE specific front wing through the comparisons of high lift, inverted airfoils, in ground effect in order to maximize the negative lift coefficient. Five selected high lift, single element airfoils are studied at multiple angles of attack and the three superior airfoils among them are used in a second study of airfoils for various heights above the ground. A final study then aims at combining the single airfoils into a two-element airfoil configuration to further increase the negative lift generation.