BSc_Analysis Of Aerodynamic Development In Formula One

141 Pages·2014·10.7 MB·English

by  Ozan Kulcu

Analysis of Aerodynamic Development
in Formula One

By
Ozan Kulcu

Directed by:
Dr. Emre Alpman

Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering Department of
Marmara University

Dissertation submitted to Faculty of Engineering of Marmara
University as the combination of courses ‘ME497: Engineering
Project I’ and ‘ME498: Engineering Project II’ in partial
fulfilment for the degree of Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

Marmara University
Faculty of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
2014

ABSTRACT

Automobiles have been a huge part human life for more than a hundred years
now. And they are constantly getting better, faster, stronger, and more effective.
Although there are huge R&D centers to make these improvements. We can see
that the craziest and the most unprecedent improvements usually come from
motor sports.
Motor Sports, and its top level Formula One, can be considered as the crazy
brother of automobiles. It’s easy to see an innovative improvements anytime in
this sport. Some of them vanishes in the air, some of them revolutionize the
entire world of automobiles.
In this project, we are going to look at the factors of aerodynamic design, give
theoratical information about it, take a look at how aerodynamics have been
shaped throughout the history, and finally design a new Formula One car from
scratch using CFD simulations.
INDEX

1. Introduction to the Project………………………………………………..1
1.1. Introduction………………………………………………………..1
1.2. Targets of the Project……………………………………………...1
1.3. Importance of Formula One……………………………………….2
2. Introduction to Aerodynamics in Formula One…………………………..4
3. Subjects of and Concerns about Aerodynamic Design in Formula One…7
3.1. Subjects of Aerodynamic Design………………………………….7
3.1.1. Drag…………………………………………………………….7
3.1.2. Speed and Acceleration………………………………………...8
3.1.3. Downforce……………………………………………………...9
3.1.4. The Ground Effect…………………………………………….12
3.1.5. Grip…………………………………………………………...13
3.1.6. Understeer and Oversteer……………………………………..14
3.1.7. Drafting……………………………………………………….16
3.2. Concerns about Aerodynamic Design……………………………18
3.2.1. Rules………………………………………………………….18
3.2.2. Safety…………………………………………………………19
3.2.3. Budget………………………………………………………...21
4. Aerodynamic Development Methods.......................................................24
4.1. Computational Methods………………………………………….24
4.2. Wind Tunnels…………………………………………………….27
4.3. Testing……………………………………………………………32
5. Aerodynamic Analysis of Formula One Car Parts……………………...35
5.1. Nose Cone and Front Wing Assembly…………………………...35
5.2. Rear Wing……………………………………………………...…37
5.3. Diffuser…………………………………………………………...40
5.4. Bargeboards………………………………………………………42
5.5. Engine Air Intake………………………………………………...43
5.6. Sidepod…...……...……………………………………………….44
5.7. Suspensions………………………………………………………46
6. History of Aerodynamic Development in Formula One………………..48
6.1. 1960s: Start of Aerodynamic to Create Downforce……………...48
6.2. 1970s and 1980s: Innovation of Ground Effect and Its Ban……..49
6.3. 1990s: Start of Aerodynamic Era in Formula One…....……….....51
6.4. 2000s: Scuderia Ferrari’s Domination
in the Aerodynamics Race………………………………………..53
6.5. Rule Changes of 2009……………………………………………56
6.6. The Latest Rule Changes in 2014………………………………..58
7. Effects of Formula One Aerodynamic Development on Road Cars……59
8. Aerodynamic Design of A Simple Formula One Car…………………...66
8.1. Initial Design……………………………………………………..66
8.2. Nose Cone Design………………………………………………..69
8.3. Front Wing Design……………………………………………….75
8.4. Rear Wing Design………………………………………………..78
8.5. Diffuser Design…………………………………………………..82
8.6. Sidepod Design…………………………………………………..86
8.7. Final Design……………………………………………………...87
9. Conclusion………………………………………………………………89
10. Figure List………………………………………………………………90
11. Nomenclature……………………………………………………………93
12. References
13. Extras

CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT

ANALYSIS OF AERODYNAMIC DEVELOPMENT IN FORMULA ONE
OZAN KULCU
1. INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT

1.1. Introduction

This project, entitled ‘Analysis of Aerodynamic Development in Formula One’
is created and run as a dissertation, for the Bachelor’s Degree of Mechanical
Engineering given by Engineering Faculty of Marmara University.
The project is given as two courses ‘ME497: Engineering Project I’ and
‘ME498: Engineering Project II’ by Dr. Emre Alpman, Associate Professor in
Mechanical Engineering Department of Marmara University.

1.2. Targets of the Project

In this project we will first cover the importance of Aerodynamics and its use in
the sport. Then we will proceed to basic principles in Aerodynamic design,
subjects and concerns. Then we will cover how teams design their cars and their
methods.
In later chapters, we will analyse each part of Formula One car, how they affect
the general aerodynamics, the vortex they create as well as the improvement
areas of the parts.
In next chapters, we will take a quick look at the history of aerodynamic
development and will pick the most revolutionary designs. And after discussing
the effects of Formula One aerodynamics in road cars, we will enter the serious
business: designing a Formula One car from a blank page.
We will start from a scratch to design a completely new Formula One car within
FIA’s rules and regulations. Then using CFD simulations, we will try to
improve the car aerodynamically. Finally we test the simulations’ success with
prototyping the car and taking into the wind tunnel session. After improving the
car enough to win races and championship, we will conclude the project.

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1.3. Importance of Formula One

The reason behind the selection of the thesis subject is a passion of myself,
motor sports. Aerodynamics are one of the most important criteria of being
successful in this area, although we cannot limit the benefits of aerodynamics in
just motor sports as it is a big factor in road cars, aeroplanes, wind turbines, etc.
The benefit of developing aerodynamics of a Formula One car is not just being
successful in the sport. The research and development made in Formula One
highly effects other works of the teams and partners. For example, most of
constructors use the information gained in Formula One aerodynamics in their
road cars. Other brands like transmission constructors, engine suppliers or fuel
suppliers also improve their products using the Research and Development they
make for Formula One.
For some big automobile brands like Ferrari, McLaren, Honda, Renault, or
other brands like Shell, Total, etc. Formula One Research & Development
centre leads to bigger projects than just a racing car improvement. For this
reason we can call Formula One the sport that challenges the brands to improve
themselves and constantly come up with fresh ideas.

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