Evaluation of the Effects of Adding Front and Rear Wings on the Lap Times of a Formula SAE Car

The performance effects of adding a front and rear wing to a Formula SAE car are studied by creating a mathematical transient model based on two-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) data and analytical equations. Results are presented for a numerical analysis of the lap times of the Team UFSC Formula SAE Car in a generic race track. CFD models are used to determine a function for the lift and drag coefficient of the airfoils. The parameterized vehicle model enabled the evaluation of different combinations of airfoil and wing geometry on the car, and from the analysis of the lap times optimal values of the car's downforce and drag coefficient could be determined.