Numerical simulation of flow field around the race car in case

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the flow field structure around the race car in two cases: stationary wheel and rotating wheel. In addition, this paper also illustrates and clarifies the influence of wheel rotation on the aerodynamic characteristics around the race car. Design/methodology/approach – The author uses steady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations with the Realizable k - ε model to study model open-wheel race car. Two cases are considered, a rotating wheel and stationary wheel. Findings – The results obtained from the study are presented graphically, pressure, velocity distribution, the flow field structure, lift coefficient (C l ) and drag coefficient (C d ) for two cases and the significant influence of rotating case on flow field structure around wheel and aerodynamic characteristics of race car. The decreases in C d and C l values in the rotating case for the race car are 16.83 and 13.25 per cent, respectively, when compared to the stationary case. Originality/value – Understanding the flow field structures and aerodynamic characteristics around the race car in two cases by the steady RANS equations with the Realizable k - ε turbulence model.