Design and Development of a Multi-Element Active Aerodynamic Package to Enhance the Performance of Taylor’s Formula SAE Car

This study aims to provide an initial prediction on the effects of an aerodynamic
package in affecting the performance on Taylor’s Formula SAE race car. A downforce of 90.830 N and drag of 186.018 N for the simplified Taylor’s Racing Team TR 16 race car was identified through a 3D CFD simulation using the Reynold’s Averaged NavierStokes k-, model at a velocity of 17.88 m/s. The lift drag ratio of the car was calculated and the corresponding lap time recorded for the four dynamic events in the Formula SAE competition was taken as the benchmark. The lift-to-drag ratio of 0.488 for the TR 16 race car indicated that the race car is aerodynamically efficient which contributes to a slower lap time and higher fuel consumption. The diffuser was analyzed and a 3D CFD simulation concluded that at an inlet angle of 3° and outlet angle of 22°, the highest downforce of 253.628 N and drag of 49.651 N was recorded. The results were input to the lap time simulator and it recorded the fastest lap time as compared to the other configurations. The two element front wing with configuration of pitch of 13° for the main element and pitch of 30° for the flap recorded the highest downforce of 131.165 N and drag of 37.504 N. The results were input to the lap time simulator and configuration mentioned above recorded the fastest lap time. Both the diffuser and front wing produced a downforce higher than the race car as well as a higher lift-to-drag ratio of 5.108 and 3.497 respectively as compared to 0.488 for the TR 16 race car. Consequently, by manipulating only the downforce and lift-to-drag ratio produced, the lap time recorded by the diffuser and two-element front wing was faster than the car with no aerodynamic package. This proves the initial prediction that adding an aerodynamic package to the TR 16 race car will enhance its performance.