Aerodynamics

The aerodynamics system oversees the design of the complete aerodynamics package for the combustion car, which includes a front splitter, rear wing, undertray, and dual sidepods. The aerodynamics system is composed of the following subsystems: Design and Testing and Validation.

By utilizing Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the aero team is able to simulate and optimize every component of the aero package to increase downforce and reduce drag, ultimately allowing the car to corner faster. Alongside CFD, the aero team utilizes empirical testing via wind tunnels, flow visualization, and scale models to validate the predicted performance from their simulations, ensuring that the car we see on screen is true to what is on track.  

In addition to optimizing for downforce, the sidepods of the aero package play a crucial role in the thermal management of the powertrain system. By directing air smoothly through the radiators, the sidepods greatly increase the efficiency of our cooling system, ensuring that the engine maintains a stable temperature even while being pushed to its limits. From the amount of grip the tires have to the reliability of the engine, the aerodynamics system plays a critical role in ensuring the overall performance, reliability, and competitiveness of the combustion vehicle.