Measurement of Formula One Car Drag Forces on the Test Track

Abstract

Coastdown testing is a proven method for determining the drag coefficients for road cars whilst the vehicle is in its normal operating environment. An accurate method of achieving this has been successfully developed at Loughborough University. This paper describes the adaptation and application of these techniques to the special case of a contemporary Formula One racing car. The work was undertaken in conjunction with the Benetton Formula One racing team.The paper outlines the development and application of a suitable mathematical model for this particular type of vehicle. The model includes the aerodynamic, tyre, drivetrain and the un-driven wheel drags and accounts for the change in aerodynamic drag due to ambient wind and changes in vehicle ride height during the coastdown. The test and analysis methods are described.The results from a series of coastdown tests conducted at a current Grand Prix circuit are presented and compared to the results from tyre rig and wind tunnel measurements.

Aerodynamics of Race Cars

“…One of the earliest forms of testing was the coast down test to determine the drag of a vehicle. In spite of variation in atmospheric conditions and inconsistencies in tire rolling resistance, reasonable incremental data can be obtained, as discussed by Crewe et al (1996). With the advance in computer and sensor technology, by the end of the 1990s the desirable forces, moments, or pressures could be measured and transmitted via wireless communication at a reasonable cost.…”

Regulation Compliance and Suspect Identification in Formula 1 Racing- A Case Study

“…Since the overall geometry of vehicle, power-unit and other components and systems are bound by the upper and lower-limits specified in the technical regulations, the numerical value for the constant term C should be comparable for all vehicles irrespective of the constructor competing in the race. The only term which can vary significantly is the value for mx as it varies with the square of vehicle speed which is influenced by the aerodynamic package and settings [13]. The constant term in this work is named as static and the slope m is termed as dynamic loading in this work.…”