Title: Measuring Lift & Drag Forces for a Flow Over Formula1 Car’s Rear Wing
Members: Hassan Aboukoura and Abdullah Ebraheem
Background: F1 cars operate at very high speeds. Therefore, they need to be stabilized by providing a
significant downforce that keeps them on track. The rear wing’s function is to generate high downforce
by having a high angle of attack. In recent years, a Drag Reduction System is implemented to aid drivers
in overtaking their competitors.
Purpose of CFD Simulation: The purpose of the simulation is to study the aerodynamics of different rear
wings with different thicknesses and how different thicknesses affects the downforce on the car. The
study also aims to compare the standard mode of the wing to the DRS activated mode. All models will
also be examined for different lengths. Therefore, the study will be useful in deciding which type of rear
wing to use according to different types of racetracks.
Methods: All models used will be generated in a CAD model using Solidworks. Then, they will be
imported to ANSYS Fluent for fluid simulations. The FLUENT solver will be conducted for three different
turbulence models. As for the meshing, the simulations will be carried out for different kinds of meshes
and compare the accuracy of the simulations. Drag and lift forces, downforce, and drag and lift
coefficients will be presented for analysis.
Expected Results: It is expected that the DRS activated mode will enhance the car’s stability because it
will provide a better downforce to drag ratio. Velocity and Pressure contours will be generated. The
thickness of the wing will influence the amount of downforce as well as the drag.