Aerodynamic Analysis of 2021-2022 Formula One Regulation Changes

Comprehensive CFD investigation analyzing turbulence reduction and vortex management effectiveness in modern Formula One ground-effect aerodynamics using Star-CCM+.

DURATION
Sep 2022 - May 2023
Role
Aerodynamics Researcher
GRADE
Upper Second Class (67%)
Team Size
Individual Project

Project Gallery

CFD visualization and flow analysis results

    Project Overview

    Objectives

    • Analyze aerodynamic theory and explain roles of devices on Formula One cars
    • Collect comprehensive CFD data on both 2021 and 2022 Formula One car models
    • Compare regulation changes to quantify turbulence and vorticity reduction effectiveness
    • Investigate ground effect aerodynamics and new floor design impacts
    • Address research gap in modern Formula One aerodynamic analysis

    Key Findings

    • Front wing vortex reduction: Successfully achieved fewer concentrated vortices compared to 2021 design
    • Tyre wake management: Improved control and reduction of turbulent tyre wake structures
    • Bargeboard removal: Eliminated multiple concentrated vortices previously generated in 2021
    • Rear wing wake: Significantly reduced turbulence through endplate removal and design changes
    • Regulation success: Concluded regulation changes achieved dirty air reduction objectives

    Methodology & Analysis

    CFD Simulation Approach

    Advanced computational fluid dynamics investigation using high-performance computing resources:

    Simulation Setup

    • • Software: Siemens Simcenter Star-CCM+ for Navier-Stokes equation solving
    • • Computing: University of Southampton HPC (IRIDIS) facility
    • • Models: Outsourced 3D geometry for 2021 and 2022 Formula One cars
    • • Solver Type: Steady-state RANS with turbulence modeling
    • • Analysis Focus: Vorticity fields, turbulence intensity, and wake structures

    Aerodynamic Theory

    • • Navier-Stokes: Fundamental fluid dynamics governing equations
    • • Coanda Effect: Fluid adherence to curved surfaces for flow attachment
    • • Vortex Generation: Understanding wingtip and bargeboard vortex formation
    • • Ground Effect: Venturi effect and underbody downforce generation
    • • Dirty Air: Turbulent wake impact on following car performance

    Analysis Areas

    • • Front Wing: Y250 vortex behavior and tip vortex shedding comparison
    • • Tyre Wake: Wheel wake management and rim cover effectiveness
    • • Bargeboards: Impact of 2022 removal on mid-car vortex reduction
    • • Rear Wing: Endplate vortex elimination and wake turbulence analysis
    • • Overall Wake: Axial velocity fields and upwash characteristics

    Project Motivation

    • • Research Gap: Limited modern F1 aerodynamic research in public domain
    • • Regulation Impact: Major 2022 rule changes targeting turbulence reduction
    • • Racing Quality: Improving overtaking through reduced dirty air effect
    • • Industry Relevance: Analysis applicable to future regulation development
    • • Fan Experience: Better racing quality benefits sport growth

    Core Technologies

    Star-CCM+

    CFD simulation platform

    ANSYS

    Fluids theory reference

    IRIDIS HPC

    High-performance computing

    F1 Models

    2021/2022 car geometry

    Research Contributions

    Literature Review

    • Historical Context: Reviewed evolution of F1 aerodynamics and previous regulation impacts
    • Theoretical Foundation: Synthesized Navier-Stokes equations, Coanda effect, and vortex theory
    • Device Analysis: Documented functionality of wings, bargeboards, floors, and diffusers
    • Research Gap: Identified lack of modern public research on current F1 aerodynamics

    Simulation Development

    • Workflow Creation: Established complete CFD simulation workflow in Star-CCM+
    • HPC Utilization: Managed computational resources on IRIDIS supercomputer
    • Mesh Generation: Developed appropriate meshing strategies for complex car geometry
    • Post-Processing: Created visualization schemes for vorticity and turbulence analysis

    Comparative Analysis

    • Front Wing: Quantified reduction in Y250 vortex strength and tip vortex shedding
    • Wheel Wake: Compared tyre wake management between rim designs
    • Bargeboard Impact: Demonstrated vortex elimination from component removal
    • Rear Wing: Analyzed endplate vortex reduction and overall wake quality

    Conclusions & Impact

    • Regulation Success: Concluded 2022 changes effectively reduced dirty air impact
    • Future Recommendations: Identified upwash as area requiring additional development
    • Industry Insight: Provided data-driven evaluation of FIA regulation effectiveness
    • Racing Quality: Confirmed improvements should enhance overtaking and fan experience

    Documentation & Resources

    Research Report

    Comprehensive 9,198-word MEng thesis analyzing aerodynamic regulation changes between 2021 and 2022 Formula One cars using CFD simulations.

    View Report
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