FSAE Race Car Dynamics and Trajectory Optimization Considering Aerodynamic Effects

The aerodynamic effects not only directly affect the acceleration and the fuel economy of the race car, but also have a great influence on the handling of the race car. In this paper, the vehicle multibody dynamic model with “double-wishbone suspension” and “rack and pinion steering” is established, in order to obtain aerodynamic parameters, the aerodynamic model of the vehicle is established, and the aerodynamic parameters were calculated by using CFD. In order to obtain the optimal travel track, the track model is established, according to weights allocation of the smallest curvature of each curve and the shortest curve to optimize the optimal route for racing. The influence of aerodynamic effects on the stability of vehicle control is analyzed through simulation of Endurance Racing to evaluate the maximum lateral acceleration、roll angle and other performance. According to the racing speed characteristics and distribution of longitudinal acceleration and lateral acceleration, the racing performance limit is evaluated, Comparing the racing model with the aerodynamic device and the racing model without the aerodynamic device, the aerodynamic device is greatly helpful for improving the single lap speed and helps to increase the maximum lateral acceleration, the car model real-time status is also monitored, thus guiding the racing driver to drive and reducing the lap time.