Testing Ground-effect Aerodynamics on a Scaled F1 Car

Abstract

Formula-1 (F1) racing cars aerodynamic effects are mainly controlled by the body contours and other aerodynamic elements such as over-body wings. Over-body wings tend to force the car downwards but would increase the drag force on the car. This capstone project investigated the ground effects on a scaled F1 car by testing the down force and drag force with and without ground effects. To meet the objectives, an 8.8 feet-long (2.93 m) wind tunnel was built by the team having a 6 × 6 sq.in (3.34 m2) cross-section testing chamber running air at an approximate speed of 34 miles per hour (mph) which simulates an actual speed of 150 mph in actual racing environment. Six revisions of ground effect structures were 3D printed to test ground effect improvements on the scaled F1 car inside the wind tunnel. The conceptual structure design was based on creating low pressure vacuum region between the bottom of the car and the ground by using venture gates and side skirts. The vacuum in turn would suck the car down as close to the ground as possible, which will in turn keep the wheels firmly pressed into the floor. Five revisions of the 3D printed structures were modified to come up with one that fit into the prototype tested scaled car. The down and drag forces were tested using force sensors. Tests comparisons for the car, with and without the ground effect 3D printed structure, showed 37% increase in the downforce and 26% reduction in the drag force. The capstone was done over 1-semester and was assessed based on progress reports submitted on bi-weekly basis, presentation by the end of the project, final report, and team work participation. Using these assessment tools, many of the ABET outcomes were met as will be shown in the paper.