Formula One Race Car

Modern Formula One cars have a strong emphasis on aerodynamics—the study of air’s interaction with moving objects. Aerodynamics plays a crucial role in three areas: reducing drag, generating downforce, and minimising lift.

Drag: a resistive force that reduces the speed of the car as it moves. It acts opposite to the relative motion of the car with respect to the air. 

DESIGN OF F1 CARS

1. Streamlined contours (as shown in Figure 1) and minimal sharp edges and car’s frontal area to reduce turbulence and drag. 

Figure 1 from source

2. Aerodynamic features are critical for minimising lift, which is the upward force that can reduce traction between the tires and the track at high speeds.

APPLYING BERNOULI’S PRINCIPLE

Defined as an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy. This principle explains how different airspeeds around the car create a pressure differential. The car's wings, angled towards the ground, cause higher airflow speeds below the car, lowering the pressure beneath and generating downforce.

By creating high-pressure zones above the car and low-pressure zones below, these aerodynamic elements "push" the vehicle toward the track. Their design balances the need for maximum downforce without adding excessive drag.

Figure 2 from source

 Figure 3 from source

Figure 2 shows the cross-sectional part of the rear wing of an F1 car while

Figure 3 shows the approximate air flow of a front wing.

REFERENCES:

1. Yang, S. (2024, March 1). Aerodynamics behind Formula One. The STEM Spectrum. https://www.thestemspectrum.org/post/aerodynamics-behind-formula-one

2. Gribben, R. (2023, September 6). How is STEM used in Formula One? Twinkl. https://www.twinkl.my/blog/how-is-stem-used-in-formula-one

3. Admin. (2024, October 28). The Art And Science Of Crafting An F1 Car Concept. Motorsport Engineer. https://motorsportengineer.net/the-art-and-science-of-crafting-an-f1-car-concept/

4. Bernoulli’s Principle. (2022, June 19). SKYbrary Aviation Safety. https://skybrary.aero/articles/bernoullis-principle