Making a race car more aerodynamic is not a straightforward process. There is an array of features involved that make race cars aerodynamic. These different features make sure that the supercars deliver the expected performance. Let's see the ten various aerodynamic features of race cars!
The splitter is the leading edge on the vehicle. It has a positioning parallel to the ground, aiming to keep the pressure on top of the car instead of flowing underneath it. The high pressure asserts on the splitter to create downforce.
Photo Credit: unsplash.com
Hood vents aim to allow a clean passage of air through the radiator. They assist in maintaining airflow through the engine bay, thereby increasing cooling.
The dive planes exist on either side of the bumper. They have a curved design to redirect the airflow toward the front of the car. They also channel the airflow towards the sides to minimize downforce.
The NACA ducts are air scoops that have minimal effect on the airflow. These ducts fit any application that requires airflow. You might not be aware, but the Ferrari F40 extensively uses the NACA ducts.
Photo Credit: unsplash.com
Race car manufacturers fit the side vents on the front or rear wheels. The side vents on wheels allow the air to escape. The vents are also a good solution for channelling out hot air from the engine bay.
The side skirts have a similar purpose as the splitters. They are placed in a low position to prevent the high pressure from moving underneath the car. This feature minimizes downforce.
Underbellies are made smooth and flat to minimize the drag for racing. It also reduces the turbulence under the car. Combined with the rear diffuser, the pressure underneath the vehicle can result in significant downforce.
Photo Credit: unsplash.com
The diffusers are a part of the underbody, designed to have a spot of increasingly larger air volume below the car's rear. The diffuser allows fast-moving low air pressure to expand and decelerate at the rear end. It reduces the pressure to improve the downforce.
Spoilers act as an obstruction in the path of lift-creating airflow to prevent lifting in the car. As a result of the spoiler, the course of the air alters. In other words, the airflow at the car's rear leaves in an upward and horizontal manner. This feature works similarly to a passenger's plane when it's landing.
The rear wings in race cars are much like air foils. The hind wings have a design to deflect airflow vertically. The wings force the air to interact, so the vehicle is pushed down. But, this benefit of downforce comes with an additional drag.
Photo Credit: unsplash.com
Without these extensive features, race cars won't be as aerodynamic as we know them to be!
