Aerodynamic downforce v weight?

[stijnhesse@gmail.com]

That sure is true haha! I did some more research and I figured out the problem. Thanks:)

[Vanja #66]

That sure is true haha! I did some more research and I figured out the problem. Thanks:)

This is off topic, but none the less - are you starting to work on aero for your 2018 car just now, days ago?

[stijnhesse@gmail.com]

That sure is true haha! I did some more research and I figured out the problem. Thanks:)

This is off topic, but none the less - are you starting to work on aero for your 2018 car just now, days ago?

We are a completely new team and instead of finishing a car in one year we start out by doing a lot of research and finishing a car in two years time (also due to the small size of the team and budget).

Are you in a FS team and if yes, could I reach out to you when figuring out the aerodynamics?

[Vanja #66]

We are a completely new team and instead of finishing a car in one year we start out by doing a lot of research and finishing a car in two years time (also due to the small size of the team and budget).

Are you in a FS team and if yes, could I reach out to you when figuring out the aerodynamics?

If I can suggest something - go to a competition as soon as you can, but in Class 2. Bring you ideas, your Design Report, you Business Plan and your Cost Report to judges in static disciplines, you will learn a lot more on site in 3-4 days with other teams and judges, than you will by yourself in a year.

And don't go with wings on your first car. Start developing, gather all your ideas in your concept, but don't make them for your first car. Send me a PM if you need more info, I'll gladly reply.

[stijnhesse@gmail.com]

We are a completely new team and instead of finishing a car in one year we start out by doing a lot of research and finishing a car in two years time (also due to the small size of the team and budget).

Are you in a FS team and if yes, could I reach out to you when figuring out the aerodynamics?

If I can suggest something - go to a competition as soon as you can, but in Class 2. Bring you ideas, your Design Report, you Business Plan and your Cost Report to judges in static disciplines, you will learn a lot more on site in 3-4 days with other teams and judges, than you will by yourself in a year.

And don't go with wings on your first car. Start developing, gather all your ideas in your concept, but don't make them for your first car. Send me a PM if you need more info, I'll gladly reply.

Hi there, Thank you for your reply! I followed your advice and instead of working on the aerodynamics I participate in another part of the team. At Silverstone I will ask for the Why's and How's etc.

Nevertheless I'm still very curious how aerodynamics in FSAE works! For example I looked at the Equation Vyssion made:

(Can't display an actual 'mu' symbol so will refer to it as C_f from here)

The "N" denotes normal force which is made up of the vehicles weight force and any downforce currently being produced.


If you combine this equation with the formula for centripetal acceleration (which could be adapted to fit a corner if a constant radius)

and rearranged to give:


Then you get the following formula:

But how come you can say F. lateral = F normal?

Many thanks!
Stijn

(Unfortunately I cannot send private messages yet as I am a new member here)

[Vanja #66]

Hi there, Thank you for your reply! I followed your advice and instead of working on the aerodynamics I participate in another part of the team. At Silverstone I will ask for the Why's and How's etc.

Nevertheless I'm still very curious how aerodynamics in FSAE works! For example I looked at the Equation Vyssion made:

(Can't display an actual 'mu' symbol so will refer to it as C_f from here)

The "N" denotes normal force which is made up of the vehicles weight force and any downforce currently being produced.


If you combine this equation with the formula for centripetal acceleration (which could be adapted to fit a corner if a constant radius)

and rearranged to give:


Then you get the following formula:

But how come you can say F. lateral = F normal?

Many thanks!
Stijn

(Unfortunately I cannot send private messages yet as I am a new member here)

Vyssion swapped lateral and friction forces, i.e. F_lateral=F_friction.