Development and application of an integrated aerodynamic and thermodynamic testing system for cars

Abstract

In this thesis an integrated aerodynamic and thermodynamic testing system was developed. It consists of an incremental force measuring system (FMS) that was designed and constructed. In addition, a testing protocol was developed to integrate aerodynamic and thermodynamic testing in the climatic wind tunnel at UOIT. The FMS was calibrated and used to improve the aerodynamics of four race cars. Furthermore, a thermodynamic test consisting of temperature measurements, and a flow visualization study using tufts were conducted. The aerodynamic study showed that a set of aerodynamic devices can significantly alter the drag force and downforce on cars. However, a little angularity of a device, such as the side front canards, to the flow direction, can significantly alter its function. The flow visualization test showed that the local flow direction strongly depends on the local geometry. The temperature study revealed that the underbody cooling was jeopardized by a rear underbody diffuser.