Tunnel Vision: wind tunnels and CFD in Formula One
As Formula One regulations become even more restrictive in engine, electronics and tyre development, aerodynamics has been left largely unchecked, with teams now investing even more in wind tunnel and computational fluid dynamics research and development. Autosport.com's technical writer Craig Scarborough reviews the changes seen in this area throughout the years and analyses what the future holds for the F1 teams in aerodynamics development
With Formula One now entering a phase of restricted engines, specification ECUs and single tyre supply, one of the greatest areas of development and research by the teams has been left largely unchecked.
Aerodynamics is critical to a modern F1 car. Despite frequent regulations to reduce downforce, the teams claw the deficit back. The tools in this battle are wind tunnels and Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) - two very different solutions, each with its roots in different eras, now working side by side. So how do these solutions work, and how are they going to develop in the future? And will CFD trounce wind tunnels as the key tool for the teams?
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