The Influence of Wing Span and Angle of Attack on Racing Car Wing/Wheel Interaction Aerodynamics

A numerical-based (Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS)) investigation into the role of span and wing angle in determining the performance of an inverted wing in ground effect located forward of a wheel is described, using a generic simplified wheel and NACA 4412 geometry. The complex interactions between the wing and wheel flow structures are investigated to explain either increases or decreases for the downforce and drag produced by the wing and wheel when compared to the equivalent body in isolation. Geometries that allowed the strongest primary wing vortex to pass along the inner face of the wheel resulted in the most significant reductions in lift and drag for the wheel. As a result, the wing span and angle combination that would produce the most downforce, or least drag, in the presence of the wheel does not coincide with what would be assumed if the two bodies were considered only in isolation demonstrating the significance of optimizing these two bodies in unison.