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Authors
Abstract(s)
The present study focuses on investigating the aerodynamical interaction between a threeelement wing and wheel in ground effect, regarding the Formula One regulations change set for
2022 - amongst the changes is the declutter of the front wing, consequently reducing its
complexity. This was accomplished by conducting a three-dimensional computational analysis,
using a Detached Eddy Simulation approach, on a simplified one-quarter CAD model, built from
the ground up following the regulations imposed by the FIA.
The main goal was to examine how changing the front wing pressure distribution affected wheel
aerodynamics, which will then influence the feeding process of the underbody, due to their
proximity and subsequent flow interaction. This was done by varying the angle of attack of the
second flap on the wing. The CFD study was divided into two sections: a flow analysis and a force
analysis. On the flow analysis, one focused on determining the location and intensity of flow
energy losses; visualizing the flow structures around the wing and wheel; and, where possible,
identifying and comprehending the mechanisms behind the observed flow phenomena. On the
force analysis, the transient variations of the force coefficients were examined to better
understand how the unsteadiness of the vortices influenced the wing’s performance.
The flow investigation indicated that the wheel wake structure is significantly influenced by the
wing’s flap configuration, showing different shapes to the different geometries tested. This is
mainly due to the fact that different flap configurations produce different upwash flow fields,
leading to a separation point variation on top of the wheel. This variation then affects the
downwash observed behind the central region of the wheel, for a vertical plane.
The force investigation showed that the location of the region of instability influences the
behaviour of the transient oscillations, regarding the forces acting on the wing: bearing in mind
that vortex breakdown occurs near the wing’s trailing edge, higher drag force fluctuations are
detected, when compared to downforce fluctuations – a shared pattern across the geometries
tested.
Description
Keywords
Ground Effect Aerodynamics Breakdown Computational Fluid Dynamics Detached Eddy Simulation Formula One Numerical Study Spalart-Allmaras Transient Flow Turbulence Unsteady Vortex Wheel Wing