Aerodynamic Characterization of a Sportscar Prototype Racecar Using Design of Experiments in a Wind Tunnel Test

Application of a formally designed experiment to wind tunnel testing of a sportscar prototype was explored at the Langley Full Scale Tunnel. A two-level fractional factorial design with center points was used to determine the effect of front ride height, rear wing angle, gurney flap height, spoiler height, and yaw angle on the front downforce, rear downforce, drag, and lift-to-drag ratio of the racecar. Regression models were created for each of the responses to provide aerodynamic prediction and optimization capabilities. Prediction models provide an “aerodynamic mapping” that can be used for effective tuning of the car at the track as well as serve as a math model for numerical lap simulations.