A Computational Study on the Moment Coefficient Cm of Formula One Exposed Dry and Wet-Condition Wheels

Abstract

A model of Formula One racing car rotating dry wheel in contact with the ground is studied using a computational approach as a validation case. This validation case focuses on the computed surface pressure around the wheel's center line. This computed result is compared to an experimental one obtained from the available literature work and it showed good agreement. Another case study is considered with replacing the dry wheel model with another wetcondition wheel model. The wet-condition wheel's work is mainly concentrated on the developed aerodynamic forces especially the wheel moment values. This moment is translated to an expression of resistive torque developed by the air stream on the wheel and computed in each case study. In addition, general schematic pictures of the flow behavior around the wet wheel are presented.

Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Tread Pattern on Rotating Wheel Aerodynamics

“…An additional factor should be included and could be considered as a resistive moment to the wheel rotation. This additional resistance has not been determined previously in literature except by Soliman et al [20], and its effects are still poorly understood. Figure 1 shows a side view of a typical isolated rotating wheel in contact with the ground.…”

“…Soliman et al [20] computed the aerodynamic moment coefficient of the wheel model for ST and TT wheel types using realisable k-ε URANS. His work aimed at evaluating this previously undetermined parameter.…”

“…He concluded that it would be more accurate and realistic if the detailed tread geometry is included. Another attempt to investigate the reliability of using moving reference frame approach, that journal.ump.edu.my/ijame ◄ was used by Soliman et al [20], in comparison with a full sliding mesh, the model was carried out by Hobeika and Sebben [22]. They concluded that moving reference frame is a good promising approach for simulating the wheel tread influences on the flow for low computational cost.…”