NASCAR Gen7 Aerodynamics

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Hoffman900
Hoffman900
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Joined: 13 Oct 2019, 03:02

NASCAR Gen7 Aerodynamics

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I thought this was an interesting article how NASCAR approached the aero design of their new Gen7 cars, and maybe how we can discuss it in relation to F1. A lot more emphasis on real world testing as opposed to simulation work, which makes sense when trying to understand pack dynamics of multiple cars.

This part though, does have me a little worried in regards to F1 and their new designs:

https://www.racecar-engineering.com/art ... odynamics/
On the lift-off safety front, NASCAR evaluated the vehicle in CFD before testing at the Automotive Center for Excellence (ACE) in Oshawa, Canada and the Chrysler Technical Center’s Aero Acoustic wind tunnel in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The Next Gen features the passively deployed bonnet (hood), and roof flaps NASCAR uses in all its vehicles, but the diffuser presented a new opportunity to add another safety device – a diffuser flap. This is held in place at the centre of the diffuser and, when deployed, releases downward and blocks the central tunnel of the diffuser. This creates a low-pressure region behind the flap and increases the lift-off speed of the car when nearly backward by 10-20 per cent. The flap was originally designed to operate via a pressure base deployment system, but it was found to be much more effective to deploy the diffuser flap via mechanical release connected to the right-side roof flap by a flexible cable. Overall, the path of development for the underwing was aggressive but successful, thanks to the strong correlation between CFD and the wind tunnel.

Hoffman900
Hoffman900
211
Joined: 13 Oct 2019, 03:02

Re: NASCAR Gen7 Aerodynamics

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Xfinity race last night. Not a Gen7 car, but what they're worried about with the new ones. Lost the entire drivetrain and fuel cell: