Effect of Wing/Body Interaction on the Aerodynamics of Two Generic Racing Cars

The influence of a rear-mounted wing on the aerodynamics of two generic race car configurations was investigated. Both body-surface pressure and vehicle lift data indicate that the wing/body interaction is large and that, by proper placement of the wing over the body, total downforce coefficients that are considerably larger than the sum of the isolated downforce of the wing and body can be obtained. The above interaction also alters the pressure distribution and spanwise loading on the wing; therefore, the design process for such airfoils should account for the detailed three-dimensional flow field created by the body (contrary to the traditional assumption of placing the wing in an undisturbed free stream).