Optimization study of front and rear wings of motorsport using computational fluid dynamics

Samuel T. Wille, Karsten M. Hendrickson, Ramesh K. Agarwal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study focuses on the development and parametric optimization of two wings for a Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) racecar. ANSYS Fluent is used for mesh generation and numerical simulation. Processing is done using ANSYS CFD-Post. The study optimizes the multi-element front wing taking into account the slot overlap, slot gap, and angle of attack of each element. Then, in order to account for viscous ground effect, the ground clearance and endplate arrangement are optimized considering three-dimensional steady state flow conditions. The rear wing is similarly optimized in two dimensions with an additional parameter for camber scaling of the main element. Then, an endplate design is optimized for three-dimensional steady state flow conditions with the goal of reducing the induced drag due to wingtip vortices. Finally, the center of pressure for the car is determined analytically and its implications for vehicle dynamics are considered. The goal of this work is to create a validated effective design methodology for a first-generation aerodynamics kit for a FSAE racecar.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAIAA Scitech 2021 Forum
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
Pages1-9
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)9781624106095
StatePublished - 2021
EventAIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: Jan 11 2021Jan 15 2021

Publication series

NameAIAA Scitech 2021 Forum

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, AIAA SciTech Forum 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period01/11/2101/15/21

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