Lesson 10- Aerodynamics and Racing - How to design a racecar
Welcome to Lesson 10 - Aerodynamics and Racing: How to Design a Racecar. In this lesson, we will explore the fundamental principles of aerodynamics and their importance in designing a winning racecar. Aerodynamics plays a crucial role in the performance of a racecar by affecting the car's speed, acceleration, handling, and fuel efficiency. The shape of a racecar's body and its wings or other aerodynamic components can significantly impact the car's overall performance. In this lesson, we will explore the scientific concepts that underpin aerodynamics, including Bernoulli's principle and the Coanda effect. We will also examine various aerodynamic components that can be used in racecar design, such as wings, diffusers, and splitters, and how these components affect the car's handling and performance. By the end of this lesson, you will have a thorough understanding of the principles of aerodynamics in racing and be equipped with the knowledge to design a more competitive racecar.
Aerodynamics and racing
The science behind aerodynamics can be described using the Bernoulli principle, which states that the pressure of a fluid (in this case, air) decreases as its velocity increases. This principle is essential for understanding the flow of air around a racecar, and the effect it has on the car's performance. When air flows around a racecar, it can create areas of high and low pressure, which in turn can create downforce and drag.
​
Downforce is the force that pushes the car down onto the track, which increases the amount of grip the car has and helps to improve cornering speeds. The amount of downforce a car generates is determined by the shape of the car's body and the positioning of the car's wings, spoilers, and other aerodynamic devices. The formula for downforce is:
​
Downforce = (1/2) x density of air x velocity^2 x surface area x coefficient of lift
​
where the density of air is measured in kilograms per cubic meter, the velocity is measured in meters per second, the surface area is measured in square meters, and the coefficient of lift is a measure of the car's ability to generate lift (or downforce).
​
Drag, on the other hand, is the force that acts against the car's forward motion, and is created by the air flowing around the car. Drag is the enemy of speed, and it is essential to minimize drag in order to achieve maximum performance. The formula for drag is:
​
Drag = (1/2) x density of air x velocity^2 x surface area x coefficient of drag
​
where the density of air is measured in kilograms per cubic meter, the velocity is measured in meters per second, the surface area is measured in square meters, and the coefficient of drag is a measure of the car's ability to minimize drag.
​
There are several key aerodynamic devices that are used in motorsport to help generate downforce and minimize drag. These include wings, spoilers, diffusers, and air dams. These devices work by creating areas of high and low pressure around the car, which can help to generate downforce or minimize drag depending on their positioning.
​
Another important aspect of aerodynamics is the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, which is used to simulate the flow of air around a car and optimize its aerodynamic performance. CFD software allows designers to test different aerodynamic configurations and evaluate their impact on the car's performance, without the need for expensive wind tunnel testing.
​
In conclusion, aerodynamics is a complex and important aspect of motorsport, and a deep understanding of the physics and science behind it is essential for designing a successful racecar. By applying the principles of the Bernoulli principle, and using key aerodynamic devices and CFD software, designers can optimize a car's aerodynamic performance and achieve maximum performance on the track.
​
​
​
The End ->
​