Formula Student - Side Wings
Bachelors Thesis | 3D CAD → CFD Simulation
How
- Executed a staged 2D/3D CFD study in Siemens STAR-CCM+ (SST k-omega turbulence model), evaluating 351 total cases, including a 334-configuration parametric sweep of the NACA 6412 airfoil across horizontal overlap and vertical spacing.
- Used 3D simulations to determine optimal diffuser ramp angle and longitudinal placement of the side wings.
Siemens STAR-CCM+SST k-omega351 CFD casesNACA 6412
Result
- Improved the three-element side wing lift coefficient by 134% (CL 1.730 → 4.044) through slot gap optimization.
- Generated a combined downforce increase of 169.684 N (40.80 N from the diffuser, 128.884 N from the side wings) with a negligible 6.178 N drag penalty.
- Delivered a repeatable blueprint for multi-element airfoil configuration, CFD mesh strategy, and side wing-diffuser integration for future UIRT development.
Why
The team lacked a systematic method for designing and configuring multi-element side wings, relying on trial-and-error rather than data-driven parameters. This thesis was developed to establish a repeatable, numbers-based methodology using vertical gap and horizontal overlap as controlled variables to serve as a design blueprint for future UIRT side wing development.
What
Investigated the aerodynamic performance of a rear diffuser and multi-element side wings on UIRT-03 chassis, aiming to identify the configuration that maximizes downforce and low-speed cornering efficiency without relying on traditional wing assemblies.