Aerodynamics of a wing in ground effect in generic racing car wake flows

Abstract

In an effort to provide more detailed insight into the aerodynamic factors that may influence the creation of overtaking opportunities in modern open-wheeled racing series, a set of wind tunnel experiments was initiated in the moving ground facilities at the University of Southampton. To generate data typical of one car following another, a single-element wing in ground effect was tested downstream of a bluff body that incorporated a diffuser and rear wing. The tests included variations in the height and angle of attack of the wing, while data collection was achieved via force and pressure measurements, flow visualization and flowfield surveys. The results were then compared with baseline data that were obtained without the presence of the bluff body. It was found that, while behind the upstream body, the wing experienced a decrease in its downforce values, with the amount of downforce lost depending on its height above the ground. It was also shown that more downforce was lost from sections closer to the mid-span of the wing than was the case from sections closer to the tips of the wing.