Aerodynamic wings on cars have been proven to decrease lap times of racing vehicles. They can also be used to direct flow away from high drag components such as the open wheels in the Formula student competition. However this comes at sacrifice by increasing drag and making the car less efficient. We wish to investigate whether the implementation of a drag reduction system, more specifically, variable angle of attack of secondary and tertiary wing elements, will significantly reduce the drag of the wing package. Furthermore, whether implementing a control system to automatically change the angle of attack based on live car parameters will decrease lap times by minimise drag, maximise drag or maximise downforce for different situations.
Undergraduate
This project will provide knowledge of how much energy can be saved by implementing a DRS system as well as clear, logical reasoning on whether a DRS system should be run on a competing Formula Student Car.
If it is found that a Drag Reduction System on a Formula SAE Car is effective, it will be run on future cars.
Aerohydrodynamics
Aerodynamics Lab (Newmarket 901 Lvl5, Lab)