The aerodynamics of an inverted wing and a rotating wheel in ground effect

This study investigates the aerodynamics of nil inverted wing in ground effect, a race car wheel and the interaction between the two components, using numerical and experimental methods. The wheels were located behind the wing at flU overlap and gap of 20mm, and the wing ride height. iu the vertical direction was the primary variable. Models of 50% scale were used , giving a Reynolds number of 5.8 x 105 based on the wing chord . The Detached-Eddy Simulation model was validated against wind tunnel measurements including PIV, surface pressures and forces , where it was found to outperform a Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes approach which used the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model. It accurately predicted the wing vortex breakdown at low ride heights, which is of the bubble type with a spiralling tail, and the wake of the wheel. A mesh sensitivity study revealed that a finer mesh increased the amount of structures captured with the DES model, improving its accuracy.