This was a personal side project I embarked on to understand the applications of aerodynamics on automobiles. My interest took me to Formula 1 which specializes in aero efficiency through diffusers, winglets, and deflectors. I wanted to be able to demonstrate these devices to reduce drag and increase the downforce of a car to improve its performance in cornering and in straight-line speed. ​

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The primary goal of the flow simulation is to design the floor of the F1 car that takes advantage of ground-effect. Through the concept of Bernoulli's Principle, air is expected to accelerate through the mid-underfloor (as the cross-sectional area is reduced) and expand through the diffuser. The result is a suction-like effect to produce downforce. Other aero devices atop the car (such as the beam-wing) help aid the efficiency of the diffuser and promote outwash to deal with the wake behind a rotating tire to decrease drag. 

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One of the main sources of drag is the wheel wake from the tires. The "dirty-air" from the front tires can negatively impact the performance of the underfloor by causing flow separation and chaotic behavior. Thus the underfloor features multiple strakes that directs airflow outwash underneath and only the inner channel closest to the centre-line of the car directs air to the diffuser. Likewise, the sidepods promote outwash with deep undercuts to its geometry. This is caused by high pressure under the radiator inlets which pushes the incoming flow. 

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