Aerodynamic Model for Wing-Generated Down Force on Open-Wheel-Racing-Car Configurations

A simplified panel model was constructed for determining wing-generated down force for open-wheel-racing-car configurations. The model required simulation of the separated wakes emanating from the vehicle's body and wheels. Separation line locations were assumed to be known from experiments or observation and, for simplicity, were fixed throughout all computations. Once the model for the vehicle body and wheels was established, inverted lifting surfaces were added to generate down force. The performance of these inverted lifting devices was then numerically investigated and compared with experimental data of a generic, Formula one, race car shape.