Aerodynamic characteristics of the race car in pitch and roll attitude

Abstract

Purpose

Aerodynamics plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of race cars. Due to the low ride height, the aerodynamic components of race cars are affected by ground effects. The changes in pitch and roll attitudes during the car’s movement impact its ride height. This study aims to analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of race cars under specific pitch and roll attitudes to understand the underlying aerodynamic mechanisms. This paper focuses on the aerodynamic characteristics of racing cars under variations in body posture associated with different vehicle ride heights. It examines not only the force and pressure distribution resulting from changes in the overall vehicle posture but also the flow field behavior of both surface flow and off‑body flow. Analyzing individual components reveals the impact of the front wing on the overall aerodynamic performance and aerodynamic balance of the racing car under these posture variations.

Design/methodology/approach

The grid strategy for the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method was established under baseline conditions and compared with the results from wind tunnel experiments. The CFD approach was further employed to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of the racing car under varying body postures associated with different vehicle ride heights. Emphasis is placed on the overall aerodynamic performance of the vehicle and the various components’ influence on the changing trends of aerodynamic forces. By considering the surface pressure distribution of the car, the primary reasons behind the changes in aerodynamic forces for each component are investigated. In addition, the surface flow and detached flow (wake and vortex distributions) of the car were observed to gain insights into the overall flow field behavior under different attitudes.

Findings

The findings indicate that both pitch and roll attitudes result in a considerable loss of downforce on the front wing compared with other components, thereby affecting the overall downforce and aerodynamic balance of the vehicle.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the aerodynamic characteristics of racing cars under variations in body posture associated with different vehicle ride heights. It examines not only the force and pressure distribution resulting from changes in the overall vehicle posture but also the flow field behavior of both surface flow and off-body flow. Analyzing individual components reveals the impact of the front wing on the overall aerodynamic performance and aerodynamic balance of the racing car under these posture variations.