On the Aerodynamics of an Enclosed-Wheel Racing Car: An Assessment and Proposal of Add-On Devices for a Fourth, High-Performance Configuration of the DrivAer Model

Renan Francisco Soares; Andrew Knowles; Sergio Goñalons Olives; Kevin Garry; Jennifer Holt

doi:10.4271/2018-01-0725

A modern benchmark for passenger cars - DrivAer model - has provided significant contributions to aerodynamics-related topics in automotive engineering, where three categories of passenger cars have been successfully represented. However, a reference model for high-performance car configurations has not been considered appropriately yet. Technical knowledge in motorsport is also restricted due to competitiveness in performance, reputation and commercial gains. The consequence is a shortage of open-access material to be used as technical references for either motorsport community or academic research purposes.

In this paper, a parametric assessment of race car aerodynamic devices are presented into four groups of studies. These are: (i) forebody strakes (dive planes), (ii) front bumper splitter, (iii) rear-end spoiler, and (iv) underbody diffuser. The simplified design of these add-ons focuses on the main parameters (such as length, position, or incidence), leading to easier manufacturing for experiments and implementation in computational studies. Consequently, a proposed model aims to address enclosed-wheel racing car categories, adapting a simplified, 35% scaled-model DrivAer Fastback shape (i.e. smooth underbody, no wheels, and with side mirrors).

Experimental data were obtained at the 8 ft x 6 ft Cranfield Wind Tunnel using an internal balance for force and moment measurements. The aerodynamic performance of each group of add-on was assessed individually in a range of ride heights over a moving belt. All cases represent the vehicle at a zero-yaw condition, Reynolds number (car length-based) of 4.2 × 10⁶ and Mach number equal to 0.12. The proposed high-performance configuration (DrivAer hp-F) was tested and a respective Reynolds number dependency study is also provided.

In line with the open-access concept of the DrivAer model, the CAD geometry and experimental data will be made available online to the international community to support independent studies.

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On the Aerodynamics of an Enclosed-Wheel Racing Car: An Assessment and Proposal of Add-On Devices for a Fourth, High-Performance Configuration of the DrivAer Model 2018-01-0725

SAE MOBILUS