CFD Simulation of the Rear Wing of a formula Race Car using Fluent

摘要

CFD simulation of a rear wing of a formula race car hasbeen done using standard k-ε viscous model of Fluent. The results ofthe simulation have been compared with the results obtained bySTAR-CD in the literature. Subsequently, CFD simulation of the rearwing has been done for the speeds ranging from 40 m/s to 67 m/s (90– 150 mph)and angle of attack (AOA) varying from -4o to 12o.Velocity and pressure distribution plots along the surfaces of theaerofoil are presented. Aerodynamic characteristics such as lift anddrag coefficients for various speeds have been studied. It wasobserved that stalling begins to occur at AOA 12o irrespective of thespeed. From AOA -4o to 4o, there is an increase of about 35% inCoefficient of lift(Cl) while it remains almost the same from 4o to 12ofor all the three speeds. Coefficient of drag (Cd) remains almost thesame from -40 to 40 and increases sharply after 40. It was found thatat a speed of 67 m/s (150 mph) and AOA of 120, the coefficient oflift(Cl) has maximum value with a minimum value of the coefficient ofdrag (Cd). Further, it was observed that the selected wing can beoperated within a speed range of 40 - 67 m/s (90 – 150 mph) andAOA varying from 40 to 120with good downward thrust withoutincurring significant drag losses. There is reasonable agreementbetween the simulations carried out by STAR-CD and Fluent,however, the difference between the two results suggests that there isa need for experimental validation of the results.