Multi-Aspect Solutions for Testing Race-Car Models 2002-01-3288

This paper reviews an integrated testing approach for investigating the effects of fluid dynamics phenomena on racecar performance. The approach is based upon a combination of advanced optical diagnostic techniques with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to provide a comprehensive understanding of the aerodynamic response of the car. Advanced optical diagnostic techniques available include pressure sensitive paint (PSP, surface flow visualization, aerodynamic loads), temperature sensitive paint (TSP, temperature map and heat transfer), particle image velocimetry (PIV, air velocity and streamlines), and stereovideogrammetry (model movement under loading). The current state of development of these techniques allows a complete integrated systems approach to testing including: hardware, acquisition-analysis software, and a comprehensive comparison with CFD predictions.

All of these techniques have a unique hardware platform (Figure 1). Light scattering from either particles or luminescence layers create a 3D array of transducers, which yield information about the phenomena under study (flow surrounding the model or effects of flow on the model surface). The scattered light is recorded by a high resolution CCD camera (s) and analyzed by dedicated software.