Computational Challenges of the Aerodynamic Design Process in FORMULA 1

Speaker: Neil Ashton, University of Manchester
February 10, 2015

Presentation

Abstract

This talk will focus on the Formula 1 design process, from conceptual design in CFD to wind tunnel testing and on-track testing. The aerodynamic design process in Formula 1 is required to be both highly automated and efficient as new designs are required on a weekly basis for the 20 races which take place over nearly 8 months. This rapid turnaround time presents unique challenges for both experimental testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The challenge that this presents for turbulence modelling in CFD is explored and parallels between these challenges and those facing the aerospace industry are discussed. Examples of the performance of various RANS models from the 1-equation Spalart-Allmaras model to advanced Reynolds Stress models are demonstrated and discussed for both simple cases as well as a complete Formula 1 car.

Biography

Neil Ashton completed his Masters and Ph.D. at the University of Manchester where his thesis focused on the development of new RANS and hybrid RANS-LES methods for aerospace and automotive flows. During his PhD he was also involved with various EU-funded turbulence modelling projects (such as the ATAAC project) which looked at developing hybrid RANS-LES approaches suitable for the aerospace industry. He is now involved with the follow up Go4hybrid project and has also participated in several AIAA workshops. After his PhD he worked at the Lotus Formula 1 team, where he was responsible for helping to develop the CFD methodology and optimise the HPC process. He is now an EPSRC Impact Acceleration Fellow at the University of Manchester where his work is focused on developing improved RANS and hybrid RANS-LES methods for the automotive and aerospace industry.

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