Formula SAE Aerodynamics

My Master Thesis work.

Objective: design an aero package for the Georgia Tech Formula SAE car (wings and underbody) in order to maximize downforce while keeping drag as low as possible. The calculations were performed with a single Pentium machine using Fluent 6.1.

• Design Evolution (SolidWorks)

This table shows the calculated drag coefficient (C_D), lift coefficient (C_L, negative when there is downforce), and aerodynamic efficiency (AE = C_L/C_D):

• Computational Grid

• Pathlines

• Pressure Gradients (Pa - gauge)

• Rapid Prototype and Wind Tunnel Test

A 1:5 scale model was built using Stereolithography (SLA) and tested in the wind tunnel to compare with the results of the CFD calculations. The CFD software over predicts the aerodynamic loads (coefficients) by 10-20%.