Reducing Wake in Formula One Cars Using Biomimicry

Abstract

This research hopes to find a biomimetic resolution to the wake created in Formula One cars. The turbulent wake created by the Formula One cars in its rear ends have caused a significant satisfaction loss in the sport, due to the lack of overtaking caused by performance loss in a car trailing behind another. Previous methods have been implemented to reduce this effect; however, they show no significant improvement. Biomimetics is an ever-growing field, its multidisciplinary characteristic allows us to combine biologically affirmed designs on our creations to solve problems. The influence of humpback whale tubercles and harbour seal vibrissae were implemented in the rear wings due to their ability to regulate the turbulent air. Numerical simulations were conducted at various speeds for each design including the base model rear wing. The results attained from each design were compared at varying velocities. The biomimetically enhanced models showed an improvement in the wake region when considering parameters like Turbulent Kinetic Energy and Turbulence Intensity. The wake reduction peaked at average Formula One track speeds for each biomimetic alteration. Overall, the study yielded positive results when applyingbiomimetics. However, the effect of biomimetic enhancements on trailing cars needs to be studied.