The influence of gurney flap to the stability of formula car rear wing with simulation

Abstract

The rear wing on the racing car is used to maintain the vehicle’s stability when driving at high velocity. However, in reality when a racing car runs at high velocity, it does not function optimally because of the maximum limit of compressive force generated. Therefore, modifications of the rear wing are needed to increase the compressive force. The common modification is varying the number and shape of the spoilers or change the angle of attack. This study used a single spoiler variation with the addition of gurney flap attached to the rear wing spoiler. The addition of gurney flap was expected to improve the aerodynamic performance, resulting the greater downforce. This study was conducted with a simulation using Solidwork 2018 student version. The variations applied were rear wings using gurney flap and without gurney flap at velocity of 25 m/s, 50 m/s and 88.89 m/s. The results of the variation of gurney flap addition on the rear wing produced a greater variety of downforce based on the value of the resulting lift coefficient. As velocity increased, the pressure and the coefficient lift were also increased. The effect were the greater the compressive force so as the stability was increased.