
Review the history of CFD in Formula One and the F1 aero department, and explore the CFD simulation pipeline with automation for fast analysis and upcoming study of each stage.
Set up a virtual wind tunnel CFD model by defining the domain and boundary conditions, then position the wheel, ride height, contact patch, and moving ground with morphing tools.
Learn how vehicle aero maps integrate front and rear ride heights with roll, steer, and air flow data to define CFD envelopes across straight, braking, acceleration, and cornering.
Explore surface mesh generation for CFD in motorsport, focusing on topology, curvature-based density, caudal deviation, feature angles, and part IDs to streamline pre-processing and volume meshing.
Compare volume mesh generation in CFD with unstructured vs structured grids, and see how tetrahedra, pyramids, prisms, and trim meshes plus prism layers enable efficient F1 simulations.
Understand volume refinement zones and the trade-off between hexahedral dominant and tetrahedral meshes to improve CFD accuracy in F1 car simulations.
Analyze f1 car cfd case study focusing on pre-processing, geometry, surface and volume meshing, ride height, high lift wings, ground effects, and boundary conditions around the underbody and exhaust.
Explore the Y250 vortex from the front wing and the humidity and condensation conditions required to visualize it on track and in wind tunnels.
Explore the CFD solver workflow, including turbulence modeling and post-processing, and examine how wheel–front wing interactions alter flow fields, while preparing for interview questions on mesh curvature and trailing-edge geometry.
Explore the boundary layer near walls—from laminar sublayer to turbulent and log layers—and how wall treatment and prism-layer meshing enable wall-resolved or wall-modeled CFD for high-lift aerodynamics.
F1 teams rely on steady rans for production development and use transient large-eddy simulations and a hybrid zonal approach (DSS/IDs) to capture realistic vortices and wake in open-wheel flows.
Explore boundary layer resolution strategies for F1 car CFD, including prism layers, 90-degree corners, fillets, and wall-resolved versus wall-modeled y+ targets across ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, and Cadence workflows.
Master CFD post processing by translating qualitative and quantitative data into actionable aerodynamic insights. Analyze velocity, pressure, wall shear stress, and coefficients to explain car performance and support aero decisions.
Explore post-processing in CFD, assess convergence through residuals and force monitors, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data, from lift, drag, and aero balance to cooling and flow visualization.
Examine CFD results via convergence checks, residuals, and forces, then compare qualitative visualizations: surface pressures, cp profiles of the wing, vorticity, and volume flow to assess aero balance.
Explore how diffuser vortices and wake interactions, shaped by geometrical regulations, influence downforce, and apply CFD and wind tunnel correlations, optimization, and practical modeling tips in OpenFOAM with rotating tires.
Examine how a wheel alters front wing flow and the wheel wake, comparing static and rotating wheels. Visualize CP and surface oil flow to reveal end-plate vortices and wake interactions.
Course Introduction:
This course is designed such that , students will explore and apply the fundamental principles of CFD in motorsports, gaining practical insights into its application in aerodynamic simulation and analysis, vehicle performance optimization, and design validation.
Each section of the course is crafted to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring that students are exposed to the hidden realities of CFD application in the world of motorsports.
Key Topics Covered:
Fundamentals of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): Understand the core principles and equations governing fluid flow simulations, including discretization methods and numerical techniques used in CFD.
Application of CFD in Motorsports: Explore how CFD is applied specifically in the context of motorsports engineering, including aerodynamic analysis, vehicle performance optimization, and design validation.
Geometry Preparation and Mesh Generation: Learn how to prepare geometry for simulation, generate high-quality meshes, and optimize mesh resolution for accurate and efficient CFD simulations.
Aerodynamic Modeling and Analysis: Dive into advanced aerodynamic modeling techniques, such as boundary layer modeling, turbulence modeling, and vortex analysis, to gain insights into flow behavior around racing vehicles.
Solver Methods and Boundary Conditions: Understand different solver methods used in CFD simulations, set up appropriate boundary conditions, and validate simulation setups to ensure reliable results.
Post-Processing and Data Analysis: Master post-processing techniques to analyze simulation results, including visualization of flow fields, calculation of aerodynamic forces and moments, and interpretation of key performance metrics.
Case Studies and Practical Applications: Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world case studies, such as analyzing the aerodynamics of specific vehicle components, optimizing designs for performance improvements, and troubleshooting simulation issues.
Professional Skills and Career Development: Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success in motorsports engineering careers, and gain insights into industry best practices and trends.
Once you complete the course , at the end you have
Access to OpenFOAM Files for your own simulations
Access to Post Processing of multiple CFD Case Studies
Access to 2023 F1 CAD model for you to design your own parts.
Access to Recommended readings and articles for an Aerodynamics Interview at an F1 Team.
Course Completion Certificate from an Aerodynamicist.