This paper describes the development of a simplified model and simulation of a stock car subjected to both steady and random winds on a super speedway. Results indicate how lap times are affected by design and operational parameters and by winds.
The simulation models a super speedway such as Talladega or Daytona. Inputs to the simulation include wind speed, wind direction, speed of wind gusts, and the duration and frequency of wind gusts. The program will output both total elapsed time and segregated times per each track section. Also, along with elapsed times, the output will include other characteristics pertaining to the performance of the car that allow the user to obtain a basic understanding of the general performance of the car.
This paper will show how the car was modeled. Results for both head winds and crosswinds are shown. In addition, results of a statistical study involving steady winds plus random wind gusts are shown in terms of histograms, mean values and standard deviations of lap times. The statistical study was conducted for (a) a nominal car set-up and, for (b) set-ups with various levels of changes to the aerodynamic drag characteristics and engine power. It is shown that it may prove difficult during testing with winds to judge the effects of changes to the set-up based on timing only one or two laps. Only for larger changes can timing one or two laps give an accurate assessment of the effects of the changes.