aerodynamics

[Siddz]

hi...
im developing a front wing and nose cone for a formula car in india and would like some input on selecting a airfoil.... i would like to know the factors you consider in choosing an airfoil, and also if there are some commonly used ones in racing that i can choose from or should i look at the NACA series.. pls help! also, some help with the nose design pls! thanks

[Nihal]

I would look at very low speed NACA airfoils. Maybe something from a STOL type aircraft. Look for maybe a multi-element type.
I would then go calculate the downforce you can possibly generate from a basic wing profile and then think and see if it would work for you.
Also pay attention to how you would mount it in a rigid maner to the chassis.

[PatClarke]

Siddz,
I've said this before, but I will say it again. FSAE is a Design comnpetition, NOT a 'Copy someone elses car' competition.
If you want to use wings, sure, go ahead, but firstly you must decide how you will justify them to the judges, and secondly, you must then design an appropriate wing package to achieve your aims.

What are your aims? To get to FSAE or FSAEA with a car that runs and completes all events? Or to get credits for an aero package design at Uni. Or to build wings on the car so it looks like a F1 car?
There are reasons to put wings on a FSAE car, but most teams prioritise this so low that very few actually ever fit them.
All these things come into the decision making process, so you cannot just look for cheap and easy answers on a forum like this.

Regards
Pat Clarke

[Scott Wordley]

have a look at the 3 Formula SAE aero papers presented at the recent SAE World Congress in detroit. My second papers has some profiles that we used in 2003 which are useful as a starting point for teams looking into aero.

Like Pat advises, I would recommend getting a well sorted car together first before exploring the option of wings. Remember that to finish first, first you have to finish. Do so and you will beat half the competition, wings or not.

Scott