A Computational Study on the Moment Coefficient Cm of Formula One Exposed Dry and Wet-Condition Wheels

Abstract

A model of Formula One racing car rotating dry wheel in contact with the ground is studied using a computational approach as a validation case. This validation case focuses on the computed surface pressure around the wheel's center line. This computed result is compared to an experimental one obtained from the available literature work and it showed good agreement. Another case study is considered with replacing the dry wheel model with another wetcondition wheel model. The wet-condition wheel's work is mainly concentrated on the developed aerodynamic forces especially the wheel moment values. This moment is translated to an expression of resistive torque developed by the air stream on the wheel and computed in each case study. In addition, general schematic pictures of the flow behavior around the wet wheel are presented.