Aerodynamic Devices -2

As we looked into rear wing in the previous blog. Now we are going to look into some minor aerodynamic devices which are going to aid the main aerodynamic device or major aerodynamic work independently to help produce effective downforce.

Slots , cutouts and end plates of rear wing

          Source : motorsport.com

As there is a low pressure zone under the aerofoil , the air from above tends to move down the aerofoil to form vortices, which is a turbid flow and slows down the air flow , that means high drag.

To over come this a end plate is kept at both the corners of aerofoil which prevent the movement of air sideways . But It also tends to form another type of vortices known as Wing tip vortices , which occurs at the tip of aerofoil that is at the top of end plate.

 To overcome this again , slots are placed in the end plate. So some energy rich air pass through this slot that create a high pressure area outside the wing. Then the cutout plays a huge role in creating counter vortices that helps in negotiating the effect of wing tip vortices.

    In this image you can see how two vortices cancel out each other

Diffusers:

Diffusers are sheets which is placed at the bottom of the car in the shape of venturi, This increases the velocity of the air underneath the car. This makes a low pressure zone under the car , forcing the car to go down. 

Front Wing:

Front Wing is used mainly for two purposes firstly to generate enough downforce for steering traction and the other important purpose is to generate vortices. 

As we know vortices are generated by air swirling from high pressure to low pressure. Vortices are generated at a huge amount at front wing . by designing the wing in the shape such that air swirls around the wings to form vortics