Browse Topic: Motorsports

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Modelling and Simulation of Key Vehicle Dynamics Parameters for a Conceptual Race Car2026-26-0085To be published on 01/16/2026
Abstract Vehicle dynamics is a vital area of automotive engineering that focuses on analysing how a vehicle responds to driver inputs and external factors like road conditions and environmental influences. Achieving optimal performance, safety, and ride comfort requires a detailed understanding of longitudinal, lateral, and vertical dynamic behaviour. The objective of this paper is to develop and validate the model of a concept Race car and evaluate its vehicle dynamics behaviour using IPG CarMaker, a high-fidelity virtual testing environment widely used in industry. The model incorporates a range of vehicle parameters, including suspension parameters like spring and damper characteristics, mass distribution, tire properties and powertrain parameters. The evaluation is done using standard ISO test manoeuvres, including Constant Radius turn test (ISO 4138), Sine Steer test (ISO 8725) and other standard tests like Acceleration, Braking along with Ride and Comfort classification (as per
Agrewale, Mohammad Rafiq B., Vaish, Ujjwal
SAE TOMORROW TODAY: Driven by Speed, Fueled by Engineering1345605/24/2024
Who's better to design a sports car than the person who races it? Meet Kevin Boehm of Boehm Motorsports, a championship-winning professional racer and accomplished OEM principal engineer. Driven by speed and fueled by innovation, Kevin's ability to uncover automotive potential and translate it into on-track victories has made him a true standout both on and off the racetrack. As a principal engineer and test driver at Honda Research and Development, Inc., Kevin supports research design and product development for a wide array of Honda production vehicles. For insight on his professional journey, we sat down with Kevin to discuss his approach to racing, engineering, and coaching--and how Formula SAE played an instrumental role in his ascent into the world of motorsports. To learn more about how Formula SAE challenges students to conceive, design, fabricate, and compete with formula-style racing cars, visit fsaeonline.com.
Hineman, Marcie
Design, Manufacturability, Optimization, and Validation of a Reactive-Style Muffler for a Formula SAE Race Car2025-01-002405/05/2023
The noise generated by internal combustion engines, particularly in high-performance vehicles like Formula SAE race cars, presents a significant challenge in adhering to strict competition noise regulations. To address this issue, mufflers are essential for reducing acoustic emissions. This study focuses on the design, manufacturability, optimization, and validation of a reactive-style muffler specifically for a Formula SAE combustion competition car. The proposed muffler utilizes two chambers to generate destructive interference, targeting the two dominant exhaust frequencies of the Honda CBR600RR engine to maximize transmission loss and reduce noise levels below the SAE-mandated range of 103–110 dB(C). A 3D model of the muffler was developed using SolidWorks, capturing the precise geometries required for acoustic optimization. The exhaust noise and muffler performance were simulated using GT-Suite, allowing for an evaluation of noise attenuation across engine speeds. Experimental
Labao, Kai, Middleton, Nicholas, Nuszkowski, John
An Investigation of Aerodynamic Characteristics of Three Bluff Bodies in Close Longitudinal Proximity – Part 3: Influence on Lift2022-01-107103/29/2022
The aerodynamic effects of bodies in close proximity continues to be an interest for those involved in aeronautical, automotive and civil engineering together with those involved in sports such as cycling, motor racing and sailing. For passenger cars, research in the USA published in the 1980s had considered travelling in close proximity, termed “platooning”, as a means for reducing congestion. But the aerodynamic drag reduction and fuel-savings found in associated wind tunnel tests and road-trials became the focus of further investigations. Although practical applications were not originally pursued, the recent development of control systems for connected and autonomous vehicles has provided the opportunity for platooning to be considered again within future traffic management systems. Thus while the focus of automotive work to date has been the potential for the reduction in total aerodynamic drag, the associated changes in aerodynamic lift which might influence the characteristics
Le Good, Geoffrey, Self, Matthew, Boardman, Peter, Resnick, Max, Cirstea, Remus
Energy Optimal Control for Formula One Race Car2022-01-044603/29/2022
Formula One (F1) is considered to be the forefront of innovation for the automotive and motorsport industry. One of the key provisions has been towards the inclusion of the Energy Recovery System (ERS) since 2014 in F1 regulations. ERS comprises Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H), Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic (MGU-K) and an Energy Storage (ES). This has not only converted the conventional powertrain into a hybrid power-split device, but also imposed constraints on the fuel energy available, energy recovered and deployed by MGU-K,and charge stored in ES, along with various other parameters. Although the objective for a F1 race is to minimize lap-time, it is obvious that there is no unique control path or decision to meet this objective. This build up needs to optimally control the powersplit and energy of the system. In contrast to lap-time optimal control, which is focused on lap-time minimisation, energy optimal control ensures that the powertrain components operate optimally by
Javed, Hassan, Samuel, Stephen
Weight Reduction of Double wishbone-arm Component in the Suspension system of an Automobile using Generative Design2021-28-025810/01/2021
This work uses the Generative Design approach to achieve a weight reduction of the wishbone arm used in the vehicle suspension system. The suspension system of Haynes Roadster an open two-seater club racing car is taken for this study. Detailed calculations were done to understand the dynamic loads acting in the wishbone arm during acceleration, braking, and cornering. The above-calculated loads, material, domain, fabrication techniques are used as design parameters and weight reduction as the objective in the Generative design to obtain a final output. The various design iterations will be proposed by the algorithm based on the parameters and objectives defined. Generative design uses a machine learning approach which is time-saving and also eliminates the need for redoing and refining the initial designs by giving us optimum designs based on our usage as well as manufacturing requirement at the early stage. Different models created by Generative Design are then compared with the
P G, Sachin, Elsen, Renold, V, Vijayaragavan, B, Beno Prince
Aerodynamic study of the different spoiler section design used in formula-SAE cars2021-28-018110/01/2021
Aerodynamics of a car plays a very important role in a racing car. That is why many race cars are designed to take advantage of aerodynamics. Improvement cornering speed in the race car is achieved through increase in the downforce on the tire. Spoilers (inverted wings) are used for increasing the downforce but this increases the drag too. The performance of a racing car depends on both the downforce and drag, requiring good compromise between these two forces. In this paper, different airfoils which are used for building front and rear spoiler of the race car are analyzed. NACA 0012 is analyzed at 0° angle of attack the front spoiler design is made on the basis of the result with the analysis of S1223 (s1223-il) and GOE304 at 10° and 17° . Modeling of a wing is has been done in Solid work and CFD analysis using ANSYS software. Keywords: Aerodynamics, ANSYS, CFD analysis, Front and rear wing, spoiler.
Patil, Shrikant, Bhaskara Rao, Lokavarapu
Control and Validation of an Autonomous Drag Racing Vehicle2021-01-010104/06/2021
This paper studies the implementation and validation of control algorithms for an autonomous drag racing vehicle. The previously developed modeling equations are first implemented with control in a realistic simulation environment complete with synthetic sensor data and decision-making algorithms. The controller is then transformed into an embedded on-board processing unit for on-vehicle testing. Camera, lidar, and radar sensor data are investigated and algorithms are created to provide information from physical sensors rather than synthetic data. The control related to actuation of the steering, brake, throttle, and shifting systems are further discussed, along with human-vehicle interaction in terms of handoff and emergency takeovers. The control algorithms are then validated on the research vehicle. This is demonstrated by completing a fully autonomous quarter-mile drag race, complete with camera detection for the staging sequence and MPC trajectory following. Two additional safety
Donikian, Vatche, Bell, Joseph, Khairallah, Nadim, Washington, Gregory
Topology Optimisation of Brake Caliper2020-01-162010/05/2020
The objective of the research is to develop a lightweight yet stiff, 2 piston fixed brake caliper which can be used in formula student race car. To make a race car, its components need to be lighter. To stop a car with minimum stopping distance, it needs to have a sophisticated braking system with well-designed components. The designing of the caliper is carried out on the Altair Inspire software. The topology optimisation algorithm is used to minimise the weight of the caliper without compromising the stiffness. The structural analysis is also carried out on the Altair Inspire. The caliper is also tested for fatigue failure using Ansys.
Ugemuge, Mosam, Das, Sreethul
CAD-Based Optimization of a Race Car Front Wing2020-01-062404/14/2020
The aerodynamics of the front wing of modern race cars are critical to the performance of the vehicle. The Formula 1 line up represents the state of the art in this field as there are some very complex aerodynamic designs on display. It is strange, however, that there is no agreement on twist direction for the multiple wing sections of the front wing. This paper addresses this question by posing it as an optimization problem. The geometry of the wings has been simplified so that the twist of the upper sections could be studied in isolation. The whole assembly consisted of only two high lift surfaces. The forward wing remained fixed for the study, and twist of the secondary wing became the primary focus. Its geometry was generated by lofting a set of cross-sections at specified angles to create the surface. The resulting geometry was automatically meshed and then evaluated using CFD. This fully automated process was then used to find an ideal twist distribution of the secondary wing
Tolchinsky, Ilya, Carrigan, Travis, Dawson, Joshua
Modeling and Design of an Autonomous Dragster2020-01-071104/14/2020
This work outlines the design, modeling and development of a competition eliminator dragster which is a specialized vehicle built to compete in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). A simple control strategy was also developed once the vehicle model was validated. Towards that end, redundant braking, steering, throttle and shifting systems were all redesigned, modeled, and then implemented in vehicle. Three key sensors (camera, radar, lidar) were also integrated on to the vehicle to enable the vehicle to know its position relative to the track. All these systems were developed and designed such that the vehicle could be autonomously but seamlessly overridden by an in-vehicle driver.
Bell, Joseph, Donikian, Vatche, Washington, Gregory
Aerodynamic Design and Analysis of a Formula SAE Drag Reduction System (DRS)2020-01-068504/14/2020
Formula SAE vehicles, like many other vehicles within the realm of motorsport, often employ rear mounted aerodynamic devices to improve cornering performance, these devices can however have a significant amount of aerodynamic drag. Additional speed can be gained by reducing the impact of the rear wing on the straightaways of the track through the use the aptly named Drag Reduction System (DRS), which works by reducing the angle of attack of the rear wing flap(s). A DRS can however introduce other performance losses, including the losses from having a gap between the rear wing flaps and endplate to prevent friction, the potential to stall the rear wing from improper opening angles of the flaps, and from the wake of the DRS actuator if positioned in front of the airfoils. An additional concern is the time it takes for the rear wing performance to return upon DRS deactivation, which will affect how long before corner entry the driver must disable the system. Insight into each of these
Penner, David J.
Xtrac readies e-axle for Rallycross racing20AUTP03_0903/01/2020
For any motorsport engineering supplier tempted to carry its highly specialist expertise along the winding and often hazardous road to production vehicles, the journey can be fraught with nasty surprises. But some peel off to travel an alternative route to ensure that its technology takes it to a different and influential destination that nevertheless will influence OEM high-volume development. The United Kingdom's Xtrac is one of them. A significant player in the design and manufacture of transmission systems and driveline components for top-level professional race and rally teams, Xtrac is increasingly connected to the emerging world of high-performance hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) - on both road and track. Bridging the two, in particular via electrified racing and rallying, is now a significant part of Xtrac's programs, said CEO Adrian Moore, interviewed by Automotive Engineering about the first electric-powered cars to compete in the 2021 to 2024 FIA World Rallycross
Birch, Stuart
Chevy reveals 2020 Corvette Stingray convertible, C8.R racer19AUTP11_1411/01/2019
Reinforcing the Corvette's long association with astronauts, Chevrolet unveiled the convertible version of its all-new, mid-engine-layout 2020 Corvette Stingray in Cape Canaveral in early October. Executive chief engineer Tadge Juechter, underscoring the car's no-compromises performance and comparatively affordable price, called it a “no-lose proposition” for enthusiasts considering the new Corvette but also desiring a more open-top experience. When it goes into production in the first quarter of 2020, the Corvette Stingray convertible will start at $67,495 - $7,500 more than the 2020 Stingray coupe, which was widely celebrated for its aggressive $59,995 base price. Although called a convertible, there is no fabric to be seen: the 2020 Corvette Stingray convertible uses a folding-hardtop design in which the center roof section folds in two pieces and stores above the rear-mounted engine. From some angles the new Corvette convertible will be difficult to distinguish from the standard
Visnic, Bill
Design of a Novel Electro-Pneumatic Gear Shift System for a Sequential Gearbox2019-28-001110/11/2019
This paper describes the design of a novel pneumatic gear shifting system to replace the existing gear stick manual shifting system for ease of the driver while shifting gears. The aim of this work is to have a semi-automatic shifting (pneumatic shifting) removing the need for the driver clutch operation. The system consists of a solenoid valve, CO2 gas-pressurized cylinder, double-acting cylinder, and single-acting cylinder. On basis of the signal received the gear needs to be changed, the shifter opens or closes a magnetic valve assembly. The solenoid valve allows the compressed air into the piston that comes from a pressurized cylinder, in order to create the effect of shifting gears. The pedal shifter and buttons are used to shift the gears. The pedal shifter was designed by using a 3-D printing technique using PLA material. The microcontroller used is ATMEGA-328 in this system. There are three switches, one for upshift, downshift, and clutch respectively. An algorithm has been
Jain, Jeevesh, Mittal, Vaibhav, Raghuraman, Dore Ranganath Srinivasa, Rathore, Shivam Singh, Vadodaria, Sumit Nilesh
Things You Never Heard In Engineering Class: Leveraging SAE Involvement for Career Advancement1244006/06/2019
Hear SAE Member Dean Case, Consultant, Motivo Engineering/Grassroots Motorsports discuss how you can utilize SAE to get ahead in your career. Dean is one of our lecturers for the Industrial Lecture Series, an SAE Student Member benefit. Find out how you can bring industry experts to your college or university for FREE when you become a student member. Learn more about the series here, and join today here.
Using Computational Fluid Dynamics for the Design, Assessment and Optimization of an Aerodynamic Body Kit on a Newly Designed Formula SAE Collegiate Competition Vehicle2019-01-064204/02/2019
Formula SAE Collegiate Competition teams now regularly integrate aerodynamic body kits with their vehicles which have significant benefits in producing downforce. This use of body kits (or aero packages) and the improvement to vehicle aerodynamics they provide, have resulted in these systems becoming a necessity for any team wishing to remain competitive in Formula SAE (FSAE). To address this the Lawrence Technological University (LTU) Formula SAE team incorporated an aerodynamic body kit into their 2018 vehicle. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) an aerodynamic analysis was performed comparing the efficacy of a car that did not have an aero package to a car that did. Two separate simulation programs were employed to effectively and accurately assess this change. By using both SolidWorks and SimScale software to generate data, the results of each were compared to assess the accuracy of each. These programs were selected due to their accessibility to engineering students, as well
Alemara, Mohammed, McCann, Morgan, Fletcher, Robert, Al-Qarishey, Hussein, Fine, Joshua
Advanced Connector Technologies: From Aerospace to Racecars to RobotsTBMG-3371302/01/2019
Different types of motion encountered in dynamic environments require designers to specify connectors for boards, wiring, and devices that can meet significant g-forces, vibrations, and weight challenges. Advanced connectors designed to handle dynamic forces were introduced in the 1970s to meet the needs of aerospace applications. In the early 1990s, the extreme speed and vibration in Formula One, NASCAR, Indycar, and Le Mans cars inspired the development of advanced interconnection solutions for autosports.
EDITORIAL: The future of motorsports is…quiet19AUTP08_0901/01/2019
Perched up on jackstands, its fat Michelin-shod wheels removed, the Audi e-tron FE05 looks like a multicolored shark out of water. Mechanics are swirling around this battery-electric race car, preparing it for a practice session during the Brooklyn E-Prix-the final race of the 2019 FIA Formula E championship season in New York. Standing just outside the garage perimeter on a hot July morning, I watch clouds of steam swirl around the rear of the car, one of two FE05s campaigned by the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team. While charging, the 52 kW-h lithium-ion battery is being force-fed cold air through its radiator side pods to keep it thermally happy. The dry-ice clouds are a familiar pit scene in Formula E racing, a signature of the “JuicePump” charging system from Italian renewable-energy giant Enel that is used by each of the 11 teams in this 13-race global series.
Brooke, Lindsay
Design of High-Lift Airfoil for Formula Student Race Car02-12-01-000212/05/2018
A two-dimensional model of three elements, high-lift airfoil, was designed at a Reynolds number of 106 using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to generate downforce with good lift-to-drag efficiency for a formula student open-wheel race car basing on the nominal track speeds. The numerical solver uses the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation model coupled with the Langtry-Menter four-equation transition shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model. Such model adds two further equations to the k − ω SST model resulting in an accurate prediction for the amount of flow separation due to adverse pressure gradient in low Reynolds number flow. The k − ω SST model includes the transport effects into the eddy-viscosity formulation, whereas the two equations of transition momentum thickness Reynolds number and intermittency should further consider transition effects at low Reynolds number. Starting with a baseline design using the understanding of high-lift airfoils, all elements
Mahgoub, Abdelrahman Ibrahim, El-Zaabalawy, Hashim, Aboelsoud, Walid, Abdelaziz, Mohamed
Methodical Selection of Sustainable Fuels for High Performance Racing Engines2018-01-174909/10/2018
As the importance of sustainability increases and dominates the powertrain development within the automotive sector, this issue has to be addressed in motorsports as well. The development of sustainable high-performance fuels defined for the use in motorsports offers technical and environmental potential with the possibility to increase the sustainability of motorsports at the same or even a better performance level. At the moment race cars are predominantly powered by fossil fuels. However due to the emerging shift regarding the focus of the regulations towards high efficient powertrains during the last years the further development of the used fuels gained in importance. Moreover during the last decades a huge variety of sustainable fuels emerged that offer a range of different characteristics and that are produced based on waste materials or carbon dioxide. This study investigates the question of which sustainable fuels offer the characteristics suitable for high-performance race
Schwarz, Lea, Bargende, Michael, Dreyer, Stefan, Baretzky, Ulrich, Kotauschek, Wolfgang, Wohlgemuth, Sebastian, Bach, Florian
Go where the talent is: Sponsor SAE's CDS1236006/14/2018
SAE's Collegiate Design Series (CDS) provides unmatched hands-on experience that arms engineering students for their future and is the foundation to furthering the industry. Sponsoring SAE's CDS competitions can position your company directly in front of the most skilled and creative students, helping you find the best engineers for your organization and build your brand.
Virtual Optimization of Race Engines Through an Extended Quasi Steady State Lap Time Simulation Approach2018-01-058704/03/2018
Minimizing the lap time for a given race track is the main target in racecar development. In order to achieve the highest possible performance of the vehicle configuration the mutual interaction at the level of assemblies and components requires a balance between the advantages and disadvantages for each design decision. Especially the major shift in the focus of racecar powerunit development to high efficiency powertrains is driving a development of lean boosted and rightsized engines. In terms of dynamic engine behavior the time delay from requested to provided torque could influence the lap time performance. Therefore, solely maximizing the full load behavior objective is insufficient to achieve minimal lap time. By means of continuous predictive virtual methods throughout the whole development process, the influence on lap time by dynamic power lags, e.g. caused by the boost system, can be recognized efficiently even in the early concept phase. As a first step, this paper presents
Malcher, Simon, Bargende, Michael, Grill, Michael, Baretzky, Ulrich, Diel, Hartmut, Wohlgemuth, Sebastian
Numerical Three-Dimensional Study of an Open Wheel Race Car Undertray2018-01-072304/03/2018
An Undertray is an aerodynamic downforce generator used in racing cars to enhance traction. It has the highest downforce to drag ratio among other aerodynamic devices. The objective of this study is to optimize the performance of a FSAE undertray through full vehicle three-dimensional numerical experiments. Based on Preliminary experiments, the basic undertray features are chosen. A simple sequential analysis approach is taken to study the downforce trends versus the variation of three undertray geometrical parameters. It is found that downforce generated is proportional to the diffuser angle until breakdown caused by separation of flow in the lower diffuser duct. A secondary diffuser guide vane is found to retard said separation, allowing uniform expansion at higher diffuser angles. Lower ground clearances cause boundary layer chocking and advanced separation. Finally the effect of the undertray on the aerodynamic wings is studied, and found to be negligible.
Abdel Hady, Nouran
On the Aerodynamics of an Enclosed-Wheel Racing Car: An Assessment and Proposal of Add-On Devices for a Fourth, High-Performance Configuration of the DrivAer Model2018-01-072504/03/2018
A modern benchmark for passenger cars - DrivAer model - has provided significant contributions to aerodynamics-related topics in automotive engineering, where three categories of passenger cars have been successfully represented. However, a reference model for high-performance car configurations has not been considered appropriately yet. Technical knowledge in motorsport is also restricted due to competitiveness in performance, reputation and commercial gains. The consequence is a shortage of open-access material to be used as technical references for either motorsport community or academic research purposes. In this paper, a parametric assessment of race car aerodynamic devices are presented into four groups of studies. These are: (i) forebody strakes (dive planes), (ii) front bumper splitter, (iii) rear-end spoiler, and (iv) underbody diffuser. The simplified design of these add-ons focuses on the main parameters (such as length, position, or incidence), leading to easier
Soares, Renan Francisco, Knowles, Andrew, Goñalons Olives, Sergio, Garry, Kevin, Holt, Jennifer
Control Optimization of a Charge Sustaining Hybrid Powertrain for Motorsports2018-01-041604/03/2018
The automotive industry is aggressively pursuing fuel efficiency improvements through hybridization of production vehicles, and there are an increasing number of racing series adopting similar architectures to maintain relevance with current passenger car trends. Hybrid powertrains offer both performance and fuel economy benefits in a motorsport setting, but they greatly increase control complexity and add additional degrees of freedom to the design optimization process. The increased complexity creates opportunity for performance gains, but simulation based tools are necessary since hybrid powertrain design and control strategies are closely coupled and their optimal interactions are not straightforward to predict. One optimization-related advantage that motorsports applications have over production vehicles is that the power demand of circuit racing has strong repeatability due to the nature of the track and the professional skill-level of the driver. The repeatable behavior from lap
Zhu, Qilun, Song, Shixin, Tan, Xiaoping, Song, Chuanxue, Prucka, Robert
Aerodynamic Behavior of Formula Student Open-Wheel Race Car Model with Regard to Head Restraint/Rear Wing Interaction2018-01-072404/03/2018
A realistic open-wheel race car model is investigated experimentally by means of surface flow visualization using UV active tufts, wall pressure as well as force measurements. The head restraint size is varied and crosswind conditions are reproduced inside a closed test section with a non-moving ground. An assessment of the aerodynamic components determines the contributions of front wing, rear wing and side wings with respect to the performance of the race car. Maximum downforce of the order of cL ≈ −0.35 (front wing only), cL ≈ −1.4 (front wing and rear wing combined) and cL ≈ −1.5 (complete aero package) are found at a neutral yaw angle. By means of flow visualization and image subtraction techniques, regions of highly turbulent flow on the rear wing are identified. They are shown to grow in size when the largest head restraint is installed. As a result, the pressure distribution for this configuration exhibits a consistent decrease in magnitude. In the case of the smaller
Steinfurth, Ben, Feldhus, Steffen, Berthold, Arne, Haucke, Frank
Aerodynamics of Open Wheel Racing Car in Pitching Position2018-01-072904/03/2018
Formula One (F1) racing cars are often running at high-speed with the pitching angle changing frequently due to road conditions. These pitching angle changes result in changes to the car’s aerodynamic characteristics that will directly affect handling stability and other performance factors including safety. This paper takes a F1 racing car as the model; the influence of the change of pitching angle on aerodynamic drag force and lift force are investigated. CFD code-PowerFLOW based LBM is used to simulate the aerodynamic characteristics with different pitching angles. The distribution of aerodynamic coefficients, velocity and pressure in the flow field are obtained; and the differences between different pitching angles were analyzed. The results show that as the pitching angle increases, the drag force increases and the lift force decreases. The down-force of the car is mainly supplied by the front wing and the rear wing. As the pitching angle increases, the lift force provided by the
Zhang, Yingchao, Yang, Chao, Wang, Qiliang, Zhan, Dapeng, Zhang, Zhe
The Effect of Inlet Turbulence Specifications on the RANS CFD Predictions of a NASCAR Gen-6 Racecar2018-01-073604/03/2018
Turbulence modeling and the specific boundary conditions are among the two major simulation physics setup variables that affect the prediction veracity of a CFD simulation. The existing literature is rich with studies investigating the effect of the inlet boundary conditions on the predictability of a CFD simulation, and it is recognized that the turbulence characteristics of the freestream flow, viz. the turbulence intensity and length scale, can impact the simulation results significantly, even with the same turbulence model. However, none of these studies encompasses the significance of these two boundary specifications on the CFD analysis of a realistic racecar model. Against this backdrop, the purpose of this study is to systematically investigate the effect of different freestream turbulence specifications on the CFD predictions of the aerodynamic characteristics of a latest generation NASCAR Cup racecar model. Finite volume CFD simulations are carried out with: (a) five
Fu, Chen, Uddin, Mesbah, Selent, Christian
Computational Investigations on the Aerodynamics of a Generic Car Model in Proximity to a Side-Wall2018-01-070404/03/2018
This paper discusses a realistic approach of simulating a generic idealized car model (Ahmed body) moving in close proximity to a Side-wall using transient CFD. This phenomenon is very important in motorsports where racing very close to the safety barrier is very common. Driving in close proximity to a Side-wall alters the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle significantly, however, only a handful of published work exists in this area. Additionally, the experimental studies conducted in the past suffer from certain inadequacies especially in properly emulating the Side-wall, which cast some uncertainty as to their applicability to the real world. As such, the present study attempted to imitate the real world flow phenomenon by taking a non-traditional CFD approach in which the body is translated relative to the stationary surrounding fluid and Side-wall instead of the classical method of flowing air over a stationary object. This was achieved by using a newer meshing technique
Uddin, Mesbah, Mallapragada, Srivatsa, Misar, Adit
MOMENTUM: APRIL 201818MOMP0404/02/2018
The road to victory is not a straight line Through highs and lows and curves in the road, Milwaukee School of Engineering's Formula SAE Hybrid team kept its focus and ended up with a championship. Winging it BYU-Idaho students develop innovative wing-to-fuselage connection for SAE Aero Design competition. The SpiRIT of Baja BYU-Idaho students develop innovative wing-to-fuselage connection for SAE Aero Design competition. Kettering Baja SAE hoists the SAE Collegiate Cup Seven SAE Collegiate Design Series teams competed in an annual presentation contest hosted by the SAE Mid-Michigan Section.
An Analysis of Braking Behavior in Formula-E® Racing2017-01-253309/17/2017
As Pure Electric Vehicles have become a recent entrant to the higher end Passenger Vehicle Market, general interest in the overall technology has expanded beyond the environmental interest into the pure performance opportunities associated with electrically driven vehicles. Recently a new Racing Series has formed that is dedicated to Electric Vehicle Racing. Specifically the Formula-E® series has emerged as a venue for competition for Pure Electric open wheel race cars competing on Road Courses throughout the world. Success in the race series is influenced by the available energy that can be stored in the battery along with the applicable electrical efficiencies associated with the drive and control of the Propulsion Motors. The Race series also allows Regenerative Braking. Therefore the performance and ultimate success in the race is additionally influenced by the magnitude and the efficiency of the Regenerative Braking as it is employed by the associated Control System and the
Hall, Thomas J.
A Feasibility Study on Driver Model Based Lap Time Simulation Using Genetic Algorithms2017-01-967905/18/2017
Lap time simulation has always been a topic of interest in the automotive industry as it summarizes the whole dynamic performance of an automobile in a single value. During the development of road and race cars, to avoid expensive testing and to prove different design solutions, it is useful to simulate the maximum performance of the vehicles. The cars are driven to their limits to exploit their capabilities, where their dynamic behaviour can be highly non-linear. The vehicle models need to replicate these characteristics as precisely as possible. Due to this, the problem of achieving the minimum lap time with a certain car around a race track is a challenging problem to solve. A method to evaluate the minimum lap time is presented, approaching the optimal solution by coupling a driver model, a simulation environment and genetic algorithms to perform the optimization. The algorithm also offers the possibility to add vehicle parameters to be optimized regarding the lap time. The process
Irlinger, Franz, Baleato Varela, Alvaro
Turbulence Models and Model Closure Coefficients Sensitivity of NASCAR Racecar RANS CFD Aerodynamic Predictions2017-01-154703/28/2017
Cost benefit and teraflop restrictions imposed by racing sanctioning bodies make steady-state RANS CFD simulation a widely accepted first approximation tool for aerodynamics evaluations in motorsports, in spite of its limitations. Research involving generic and simplified vehicle bodies has shown that the veracity of aerodynamic CFD predictions strongly depends on the turbulence model being used. Also, the ability of a turbulence model to accurately predict aerodynamic characteristics can be vehicle shape dependent as well. Modifications to the turbulence model coefficients in some of the models have the potential to improve the predictive capability for a particular vehicle shape. This paper presents a systematic study of turbulence modeling effects on the prediction of aerodynamic characteristics of a NASCAR Gen-6 Cup racecar. Steady-state RANS simulations are completed using a commercial CFD package, STAR-CCM+, from CD-Adapco. Three turbulence models are included in this study: the
Fu, Chen, Uddin, Mesbah, Robinson, Clay, Guzman, Arturo, Bailey, David
Closed Wheel Race Vehicle Aerodynamic Lift-Off2017-01-151603/28/2017
Although, the implementation of lift-off prevention devices such as the NASCAR roof flaps have greatly reduced the frequency and severity of race vehicle aerodynamic lift-off incidents, airborne incidents still occur occasionally in motorsports. The effectiveness of existing lift-off prevention measures and future trends in lift-off prevention are addressed in this paper. The results and analysis presented in this paper will be of paramount interest to race vehicle designers and sanctioning bodies because the effects of aerodynamics on vehicle lift-off need to be comprehended, but there exists a scarcity of reliable data in this area.
Honeycutt, Daniel B., Uddin, Mesbah
Analysis of Underhood Temperature Fields using Linear Superposition2017-01-013803/28/2017
The analysis of thermal fields in the underhood region is complicated by the complex geometry and the influence of a multitude of different heat sources. This complexity means that running full CFD analyses to predict the thermal field in this region is both computationally expensive and time consuming. A method of predicting the thermal field using linear superposition has been developed in order to analyse the underhood region of a simplified Formula One race car, though the technique is applicable to all vehicles. The use of linear superposition allows accurate predictions of the thermal field within a complex geometry for varying boundary conditions with negligible computational costs once the initial characterisation CFD has been run. A quarter scale, rear end model of a Formula One race car with a simplified internal assembly is considered for analysis, though the technique can also be applied to commercial and industrial vehicles. Different parts of the internal assembly are
Lim, Chris, Ireland, Peter, Collett, Nicholas
MOMENTUM: FEBRUARY 201717MOMP0202/01/2017
Formula ETS: a new beginning This year's Formula SAE car features a complete chassis redesign. Trimming processes for advanced steels Greater quality control improves automotive manufacturing trimming processes for high-strength steels, resulting in reduced levels of scrap. Getting on the right track SAE Collegiate Chapter involvement opens the door to invaluable experiences and beneficial networking opportunities.
The Development of a Small Restricted Turbocharged Racecar Engine2016-32-006111/08/2016
This paper summarized the development methodology and technical experiences on Formula Student racecar engines acquired by Jilin University from 2011 to 2015. This series of engines are all based on 600cc 4-cylinder motorcycle gasoline engines and were modified to turbocharged engines which met the Formula Student technical regulations, in order to achieve higher power output, wider torque band as well as lower fuel consumption. During the development process, multiple research projects have been conducted surrounding the turbocharging technology. These research projects have covered multiple areas including the matching of the flow rate characteristics of the engine and the turbocharger, the design of intake and exhaust systems, research on the wastegate as well as its actuator, the tuning and control of the boost pressure as well as the design of the lubrication system for the turbocharger, etc. The utilized research methods included 1D CFD engine performance analysis, 3D CFD fluid
Wang, Da, Qian, Dingchao, Wang, Bo
The Design of Eco-Driving Scheme of Energy Saving Race Car2016-32-002611/08/2016
It was developed an eco-driving cycle for an energy saving race car. A fuel consumption simulation model of race car was established to simulate the real engine and vehicle performance based on driving rules and racing track condition. It was studied the effects of engine throttle opening and the vehicle speed in acceleration and deceleration modes on fuel consumption. Several driving schemes were proposed and compared, the optimum results are as follows: with lowest fuel consumption, the engine throttle opening is 60% to 80%, the vehicle speed range is 5 to 65km/h during acceleration and deceleration modes. In addition, the race car should coast in neutral fully at deceleration mode within the allowable running time of the racing rules. An eco-driving cycle was designed based on the optimum results. The simulating results show that the race car fuel consumption with the eco-driving cycle can be reduced by 37% comparing with previous one. The design method of eco-driving cycle by
Peng, Meichun, Wang, Jiahao, li, Jiaru
Design of an Automatic Drag Reduction System Focusing on Cooling for Formula SAE Vehicle2016-36-051110/25/2016
The drag reduction system, commonly used in Formula 1, has as task to reduce the drag force that acts in the vehicle’s airfoils, increasing considerably its speed. When it comes to Formula SAE competition, since the speeds are lower than in F1, the purpose of the DRS can easily become the cooling, despite its name. This paper comes to the development of a drag reduction system applied to the frontal wing whose major objective is to increase the mass flow rate of air through the radiator. Based on a preliminary work supported by computational fluid dynamics, a frontal wing DRS can increase the mass flow rate in approximately 65% at an average velocity of 12 meters per second, which allows the team to use a smaller and lightweight radiator. The challenge was to design a lightweight and reliable automatic system, since it cannot fail nor take away the driver’s attention. To avoid these problems, an electric circuit was developed to control the actuators using the throttle position sensor
Schinestzki, Wilcker Neuwald, Schreiner, Daniel Gustavo, Falcão, Carlos Eduardo Guex
G-G Diagram Generation Based on Phase Plane Method and Experimental Validation for FSAE Race Car2016-01-017404/05/2016
In order to discuss the limit handling performance of a FSAE race car, a method to generate the G-G diagram was proposed based on phase plane concept. The simulated G-G diagram was validated by experiments with an electric FSAE race car. In section 1, a nonlinear 7 DOFs dynamic model of a certain electric FSAE race car was built. The tire mechanical properties were described by Magic Formula, and the tire test data was provided by FSAE TTC. In section 2, firstly the steady-state yaw rate response was discussed in different vehicle speed and lateral acceleration based on the simulations. Then the method to generate the G-G diagram based on phase plane concept was proposed, and the simulated G-G diagram of a certain FSAE race car was obtained. In section 3, the testbed FSAE race car was described, including the important apparatuses used in the experiments. Based on the race track experiment, the G-G diagram of the race car was obtained. The comparison between simulated and actual G-G
Ni, Jun, Hu, Jibin, Li, Xueyuan, Xu, Bin, Zhou, Junjie
Integrated Aero-Thermal Testing of a Race Car in a Full Scale Climatic Wind Tunnel2016-01-158804/05/2016
Wind tunnels with integrated aerodynamic and thermodynamic testing with yaw capabilities are not common. In this study however, an integrated aerodynamic and thermodynamic testing system with yaw capabilities is developed and applied in the climatic wind tunnel at the University of Ontario-Institute of Technology (UOIT). This was done by installing an incremental force measuring system (FMS) on the large turntable that features a chassis dynamometer. The testing system was utilized to implement an integrated aero-thermal test on a full-scale race car. An efficient testing protocol was developed to streamline the integrated testing process. The FMS was used to enhance the test car’s stability, cornering speed, and fuel efficiency by using aerodynamic devices. These objectives were achieved by installing a high rear wing to increase the rear downforce, a modified front splitter extension to produce a front downforce gain, and front canards to contribute to drag reduction. In addition, a
Abdel-Rahman, Abdalla, Agelin-Chaab, Martin, Elfstrom, Gary, Komar, John
Technology Choices for Optimizing the Performance of Racing Vehicles2016-01-117304/05/2016
In the continuous search for technology to improve the fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emission levels from the automotive vehicle, the automotive industry has been evaluating various technological options. Since the introduction of stringent legislative targets in Europe as well as in the United States of America in late 20th Century, one of the viable options identified by the industry was the application of alternative powertrain. On the motorsport arena, changes introduced by the Formula 1 governing body (FIA) for the high-performance racing engines also focuses on fuel economy. FIA regulation for 2014 restricts the fuel-flow rate to a maximum of 100kg/hr beyond 10,500 rev/min and prescribe fuel flow rate below 10,500 rev/min operating conditions for the F1 Engines. In addition, Formula1 and Le Mans racing regulations actively promote the integration of the hybrid powertrain in order to achieve optimum fuel economy. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to evaluate
Bengolea, Federico, Samuel, Stephen
The New Interchangeable Three-belt System in the IVK Full-Scale Wind Tunnel of University of Stuttgart: Design and First Results2016-01-158104/05/2016
With its recent wind tunnel upgrade, FKFS installed the first interchangeable three-belt / five-belt-system (FKFS first®) in a full scale automotive wind tunnel. With the five-belt system, which today is a state-of-the-art ground simulation technique, the system is ideally suited for production vehicle development work. The five-belt system offers high flexibility, quick access to the underfloor and vehicle fixation, and setting the vehicle’s ride height by the restraint device. The first results of the five-belt system have already been published in SAE 2015-01-1557 [1]. The three-belt system on the other hand, offers a much more sophisticated ground simulation technique which is necessary especially for sports and racing cars. For such vehicles with very low ground clearances, it is important to have a more accurate ground simulation, in order to capture the same aerodynamic modes of action and response as on the road. In difference to a single belt system, the measurement of forces
Wittmeier, Felix, Michelbach, Armin, Wiedemann, Jochen, Senft, Victor
Spoilers Optimization to Reduce the Induced Stresses on a Racing Helmet2016-01-161204/05/2016
Aerodynamics is one of the most important factors in the development of racing cars. At the speeds of formula cars reach the formula cars, the driver's neck can be subjected to stresses resulting from the aerodynamic forces acting on the helmet; developing an aerodynamic project that takes into account the comfort of the driver without affecting performance is certainly considered a challenging activity. The aim of the present work is to develop a low-pitching-momenthelmet for formula racing cars optimizing the shape and location, applying some aerodynamic appendices. This goal is pursued by adopting an approach based on both experimental and numerical activities. First, the aerodynamic configuration of an existing helmet was examined; through a testing campaign in the wind tunnel facilities of Perugia University, pressures acting on the helmet were scanned at various speeds and data about aerodynamic drag were collected. Flow visualization methods were even performed to locate the
Mariani, Francesco, Risi, Francesco, Bartolini, Nicola, Castellani, Francesco, Scappaticci, Lorenzo
2017 Porsche Boxster loses cylinders, gains power, adds frugality16AUTP03_1103/01/2016
Porsche's decision to downsize the new generation Boxster's engines from flat-6 to turbocharged flat-4 may shock purists, but power and torque are up, and fuel consumption and emissions down. So the 2017 Boxster is a demonstration of what efficient automotive technology can deliver. And if four cylinders still seem a bit demeaning for the brand, consider that the 919 hybrid race car uses a turbocharged V4. Full details of the new engines were not released when this article was published, but Automotive Engineering soon will be sitting down with Porsche engineers and driving the new 718 Boxster; in depth story to come. Meantime, Porsche does not dispute the supposition that the new “boxer” fours are shortened versions of the current flat-6s in the latest 911s, but with only a single turbo.
Birch, Stuart
Lynx Motorsports Formula SAE1208312/10/2015
The University Of Colorado Denver Formula SAE Team. Join the team at: https://www.lynxmotorsports.org Music Credit: "Insight" by Haywyre https://soundcloud.com/haywyre/insight
Regenerative Braking of a 2015 LMP1-H Racing Car2015-01-265909/27/2015
Regenerative braking coupled to small high power density engines are becoming more and more popular in motorsport applications delivering improved performances while increasing similarities and synergies in between road and track applications. Computer aided engineering (CAE) tools integrated with the telemetry data of the car are an important component of the product development. This paper presents the CAE model developed to describe the race track operation of a LMP1-H racing car covering one lap of the Le Mans circuit. The friction and regenerative braking is discussed.
Boretti, Alberto, Aris, Ishak
Analysis of a Formula SAE Vehicle Suspension: Chassis Tuning2015-36-027509/22/2015
In the present paper, a typical Formula SAE double-wishbone suspension is discussed. This study aims to point out a preliminary chassis setup to reduce testing time on track and improve the overall performance of a prototype in a Formula SAE Skid Pad event. The influence of kinematic parameters of the suspension are analyzed to quantify how they change the capability of the tire to generate lateral force due to camber effects. To enhance results, special attention is given to a Magic Formula tire model based on a constrained forces and moments tire test data. Camber and Ackermann steering geometry showed up as major tuning tools to attempt during test period.
Schommer, Adriano, Soliman, Paulo, Farias, Lucas Travi, Martins, Mario
Products of Tomorrow: July 2015TBMG-2245407/01/2015
The technologies NASA develops don’t just blast off into space. They also improve our lives here on Earth. Life-saving search-and-rescue tools, implantable medical devices, advances in commercial aircraft safety, increased accuracy in weather forecasting, and the miniature cameras in our cellphones are just some of the examples of NASA-developed technology used in products today.
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