Racing Car Aerodynamics: Optimising Vehicle Drag Reduction and Downforce Control

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6463-864-6_72How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Racing Car Aerodynamics; Drag Reduction; Downforce Optimisation; Computational Fluid Dynamics; Active Aero Systems

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive review of aerodynamic optimisation strategies for modern racing vehicles, with a focus on drag reduction and downforce control. Racing cars operate under extreme performance conditions where aerodynamic forces critically influence stability, acceleration, fuel efficiency, and cornering performance. The paper begins by outlining fundamental aerodynamic principles, such as the roles of drag and downforce, the formation of vortices, and ground-effect phenomena. Advanced simulation methods, particularly Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and experimental techniques such as wind tunnel testing and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), are analysed for their effectiveness in evaluating and improving aerodynamic behaviour. The study highlights hybrid development strategies that combine CFD with physical testing to accelerate and validate design iterations. Recent developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning are also explored, demonstrating how surrogate models and data-driven optimisation can enhance simulation efficiency. Case studies from Formula 1, Formula E, and high-performance road vehicles illustrate the implementation of both active and passive aerodynamic control systems. The paper concludes by identifying future directions, including adaptive systems and AI-integrated workflows, as key to unlocking the next generation of race car aerodynamic performance.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Download article (PDF)

TY  - CONF
AU  - Hongshuo Liu
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/10/23
TI  - Racing Car Aerodynamics: Optimising Vehicle Drag Reduction and Downforce Control
BT  - Proceedings of the 2025 2nd International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Intelligent Control (EEIC 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 837
EP  - 847
SN  - 2352-5401
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-864-6_72
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6463-864-6_72
ID  - Liu2025
ER  -