Aerodynamics in Formula 1

Aerodynamics plays a very important role in Formula 1. The high speeds lead to a drag, which increases with rising speeds. The drag encountered by the formula 1 car is proportional to the square of the velocity of the car.More the speed, greater is the drag encountered. Therefore the car is streamlined, so as to minimise the drag. Most drag is caused by eddies in the fluid behind the moving object, and the objective should be to allow the fluid to slow down after passing around the object, and regain pressure,without forming eddies.

Downforce:

Figure 1 illustrates airflow across the Formula 1 car.

The high speeds achieved by the formula 1 cars render it difficult to keep the car on track, especially while negotiating turns.It works in the same way as on an aeroplane, but in reverse. The surfaces of the wings have a different shape on the underside, so the air flows faster underneath, where it has a greater distance to travel. Thus, the air pressure on the underside is lesser than the air pressure on the opposite side. This results in the necessary downforce. Thus, the required grip and high cornering speeds are achieved and the Formula 1 car stays perfectly on line even under centrifugal forces of 4G, whereas a passenger car begins to slide at just 1G, even if it has a sport-type running gear. So the great art of aerodynamics is not only to allow excellent performance, but also to improve safety. Windtunnels form an integral part of Formula 1 engineering.

Figure 2 shows Downforce at work on a Formula 1 car