A Parametric Investigation of Aerodynamic Performance in a GT-Style Race Car

A Progressive Study of Race Car Aerodynamic Devices Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

Most race car aerodynamic packages are developed iteratively, although the interaction between progressively added aerodynamic devices remains an important area of study. This study investigates the aerodynamic evolution of a simplified GT-style race car using RANS CFD with the k-ω SST turbulence model at 200 km/h Eight configurations (A-H) were analyzed, gradually introducing components like a ducktail spoiler, rear wing, and more. The baseline design featured a drag coefficient of 0.304 and a positive lift coefficient of +0.476. Subsequent iterations resulted in configuration H achieving a lift coefficient of -1.452 and a 405% shift in lift coefficient compared to the baseline with a drag coefficient of 0.573. Various non-linear interaction effects were identified, indicating that effective aerodynamic development requires a holistic system approach rather than simply adding components. However no diminishing returns were observed in the performance metrics across configurations.