Designing, parametrizing, iteratively optimizing the aerodynamic geometry of a 3D racecar in CFD.

What is it about?

This study explains how we designed a full aerodynamic package for a Formula SAE race car using CFD. The package included an undertray, front wing, rear wing, sidepods, and smaller aerodynamic devices. Each component was added and optimized step-by-step to improve downforce, drag, aerodynamic balance, and efficiency while meeting the team’s performance goals.

Featured Image

Photo by Aman Pal on Unsplash

Photo by Aman Pal on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Aerodynamics plays a critical role in race car performance, especially in FSAE, where cars operate at relatively low speeds but require high cornering ability. Increasing downforce improves tire grip, allowing the car to accelerate, brake, and turn more effectively with minimal weight gain. This work is important because it demonstrates a practical and efficient method for designing and optimizing a full aerodynamic package under real world constraints like time, manufacturability, and rules. This approach balances design optimization time efficiency and maximizing meaningful performance gains. The methods used in this study can help student teams and engineers design better-performing vehicles more efficiently, making advanced aerodynamic optimization more accessible.