Computational Investigation of Wingtip Vortices Generated by Double-Element Wing with Endplates

The research presented in this paper proposes an effective numerical approach based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to analyze the flow structure around the Formula 1 rear wing. The study investigates the influence of endplates on the flow behavior and aerodynamic attributes of the wing. Additionally, it examines the implementation of louvers and cutouts to manipulate the interaction of multiple vortices, thereby mitigating the strength of primary wingtip vortices and the consequent induced drag. Three-dimensional steady-state computations were conducted using the ANSYS® commercial suite. The FLUENT™ solver, employing Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations modeled with a two-equation shear stress transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model, was utilized for the analysis. Post-processing and visualization of the flow field in the near wake region downstream of the rear wing were performed using Tecplot®. Validation of the turbulence model was achieved through the quasi-3D NACA 2415 wing model at Re = 3 × 10⁶. Mesh sensitivity analyses were conducted to confirm the results’ insensitivity to grid structure, comparing coefficients of lift and drag obtained from three grids with increasing mesh resolution. Three configurations of the wing model were evaluated to assess lift and drag characteristics. The endplates with louvers and cutouts demonstrated superior aerodynamic efficiency and decreased induced drag, attributed to the weakened strength of the wingtip vortices in comparison to the basic endplate design.