A Study into How Varying Yaw Angles Affect the Aerodynamics of a Formula Student Front Wing

Abstract

This report provides the outline of the analysis of a Formula Student front wing at varying degrees of yaw, carried out in collaboration with the Sheffield Hallam University Racing Team, with the intention of understanding the effects cornering has on the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle, to drive future improvement. Where optimal improvement to cornering performance was observed to occur with enhancement of the aerodynamic performance. Where computational limits have restricted the analysis to a single  component, the front wing was considered the most vital due to its importance in conditioning the airflow over the remainder of the vehicle, as it is the first component to encounter undisturbed air. CFD simulations for varying degrees of yaw between 0° - 8° at variations of 2°, using the realizable k-epsilon turbulence model with an enhanced wall treatment, have been carried out, as well as comparisons being made against the k-omega SST turbulence model, experimental data, and the same geometry outside of ground proximity. Findings from the observation saw a gradually decreasing slope for lift as well as an almost linearly decreasing drag force and almost linearly increasing side force, with increasing yaw angle. The focus for alterations to the geometry were based around the vortex generation in the wake region below the element cascades, as well as the increased airflow against the side plates, as these areas showed the most variation with increasing yaw angle. Further improvement has been made to the geometry through the addition of a flat footplate, which delays the onset of mixing between the high- and low-pressure regions below and outside the wing, where a ~12% increase across yaw angles and 13.59% increase at 0° yaw, in downforce was seen with minimal increase in drag