This document discusses downforce in aerodynamics and its importance in Formula 1 racing. Downforce creates additional weight pushing a vehicle onto the track, allowing for increased cornering speeds without slipping. Though downforce improves cornering, it also creates excess drag slowing vehicles on straights. Testing of a new dual-element rear wing is expected to increase downforce by up to 15% without significant change to drag. Further CFD analysis and wind tunnel testing will provide more accurate performance results of the new wing design.

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Fundamental Aerodynamic Effect
When an aerofoil / wing is subjected to an
airflow it produces lift, flipping this aerofoil
upside down creates an opposing negative
lift, also known as Downforce.
Downforce creates additional weight for a
vehicle. This extra weight pushes the vehicle
more firmly to the ground increasing the
available grip as well the speed in which the
vehicle can corner without slipping
Though the addition of downforce decreases lap
times through increased cornering speeds, this has
the negative effect of creating excess Drag, slowing
the vehicle down during high speed straights. This is
why the DRS system was introduced.
Though testing is not finalized, from
the illustrated table I am expecting
an increase in downforce by up to
15% without a drastic change in
drag
Downforce can be calculated by
using the following equation:
“Downforce(N) = ½(ρ)(A)(Cl)(V)^2”
The next step is to complete
manufacturing and retrieve wind
tunnel results.
Further CFD analysis will be
completed to compile more accurate
and realistic results.
Testing Results And Conclusion
METHODS
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
ABSTRACT
The project was conducted to investigate the
impact that development in aerodynamics has
had on the F1 industry and explains the
principles of the addition of multiple elements to
the rear wing and its implication in F1
competition.
The aim of this project is to research into factors
affecting the effectiveness of the rear wing.
The objective of this project is to design and
develop a duel-element rear wing attached with
end plates for the purpose of wind tunnel testing
and comparison
• Prior to manufacturing of rear wing, a
computer aided design was developed on
Solid works - (1)
• Computer fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation on
single element wing - (2)
• Machining of rear F1 duel element wing and
end plates ( utilizing the heavy machinery
such as the milling machine and laser cuter) –
(3)
F1 AERODYNAMICS
Rabeeh Moudallal, Kingston University, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Computing
Beng Aerospace Engineering.
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