Aerodynamic design and development of the Sunswift IV solar racing car

Abstract

The aerodynamic design and development of the University of New South Wales’ ultra-low-drag solar-electric Sunswift IV car is described, detailing the student-led design process from initial concept sketches to the completed vehicle. The body shape was established and refined over a period of six months in 2008–2009, almost entirely using computational fluid dynamics. The guiding philosophy was that predictable handling and drag minimisation in challenging, changing wind conditions of the type commonly seen during the World Solar Challenge across Australia was preferable to high performance only on ‘perfect’ days. The car won its class in the 2009 and 2011 World Solar Challenges, and holds the Guinness World Record for fastest solar-powered vehicle.