Race Car Aerodynamics 

1. Introduction

Maximum speed with minimum air drag is the design parameter for racing cars. Stability was affected by lift forces were developed by cars at high speeds. So handling and stability can be improved by generating negative lift using mounted inverted wings profiles.

2. Rear wing

One third of the downforce is produced by the modern rear wings. Two sets of aerofoils are present, connected to one another by the wing endplates. The upper aerofoil provides the most downforce. To achieve the greatest possible lift coefficient multiple high aspect ratio must be present, which prevents flow separation. Circuit configuration determines the angle of attack. More down force is needed on tracks with many turns, hence angle of attack is high of the wing. Similarly, small angle of attack for long straight tracks, hence air drag is reduced and high top speed.

Figure 1: Chapparal 2E (top) and Ferrari 312 (bottom) [2]

Endplates are part of rear wing. They provide mounting for the wing and aerodynamic function. The air leakage is reduced due to three-dimensional effect around the wing tips and thus formation of trailing vortices. Reduction of up-flow from the rear wheels.

3. Front wing

The front wing of car creates about thirty-three percentage of downforce. Air first hits the front wing of the car, hence, it not only creates downforce, but also guides the streamline flow towards the rear of the car.

Figure 2: “Modern front wing configuration. Aerofoil of 2 element (1 & 2) is mounted under the nose of the car (5). Endplates (4) direct air around the wheels and curved area (4) under the nose increases wing’s efficiency.” [2]

Source: 2. “Race Car Aerodynamics” - BY Gregor Seljak.