Group Members
Kowsekan Kurunathan, Rikesh Mistry, James Richards, Saul Skirvin, Christopher Stickland, Aamir SyedSupervisors
Dr Zhiwei Hu, Dr David ToalThe aim of this project was to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to improve the lap time of a VW Lamando GTS car used in the Chinese Touring Car Championship for a high-downforce circuit.
In modern day motorsports with budget caps and consideration of environmental impacts, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become an increasingly attractive tool for race teams to test aerodynamics. CFD comes with its own drawbacks, namely the complexity of its use to get accurate results and the computational resources required to run 3D simulations. If validated and used correctly however, CFD is a powerful tool that allows the team to iterate over multiple designs efficiently while also gaining a greater appreciation for the flow interaction compared to physical tests. This project used CFD to iterate through multiple design changes and assess performance based on a combination of numerical results and post processed visual data. The CFD was completed on a full scale, half-car model using simulation software.
The process was heavily automated by combining over 400 separate operations to greatly reduce the time required to set up simulations while also reducing errors in the process. Another aim was to create a quarter-scale wind tunnel model with adjustable ride height and rotating wheels to validate the CFD. This model also included detachable components including the front splitter, diffuser, side skirts, and a rear wing with adjustable wing angles as well as pressure taps along the centre of the car.
In modern day motorsports with budget caps and consideration of environmental impacts, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become an increasingly attractive tool for race teams to test aerodynamics. CFD comes with its own drawbacks, namely the complexity of its use to get accurate results and the computational resources required to run 3D simulations. If validated and used correctly however, CFD is a powerful tool that allows the team to iterate over multiple designs efficiently while also gaining a greater appreciation for the flow interaction compared to physical tests. This project used CFD to iterate through multiple design changes and assess performance based on a combination of numerical results and post processed visual data. The CFD was completed on a full scale, half-car model using simulation software.
The process was heavily automated by combining over 400 separate operations to greatly reduce the time required to set up simulations while also reducing errors in the process. Another aim was to create a quarter-scale wind tunnel model with adjustable ride height and rotating wheels to validate the CFD. This model also included detachable components including the front splitter, diffuser, side skirts, and a rear wing with adjustable wing angles as well as pressure taps along the centre of the car.


