Optimization and Application of a Gurney Flap for Production Cars
Faculty Mentor Name
Lance Traub
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
Gurney Flaps are one small but useful object that can affect the way air flows over a rigid body. Founded by Dan Gurney, the Gurney Flap is a small tab placed on the trailing edge of an airfoil or vehicle. Commonly found on F1 cars or airplane wings, the gurney flap has unique characteristic effects. Conceptually, the gurney flap directs the airflow over the surface to which it is attached by altering the size or shape of the surface appears to be. Ultimately creating more lift or downforce depending on the location of the gurney flap. Conducted a series of analytical simulations using CFD on ANSYS, as well as field testing of a Volkswagen GTI with and without a gurney flap attached. The results obtained through the methods presented here signify an inconclusive result of the research conducted. While the results lead to further areas of investigation, they were not the type of results desired to produce an outcome able to increase the effectiveness of a car’s response to aerodynamic forces.
Optimization and Application of a Gurney Flap for Production Cars
Gurney Flaps are one small but useful object that can affect the way air flows over a rigid body. Founded by Dan Gurney, the Gurney Flap is a small tab placed on the trailing edge of an airfoil or vehicle. Commonly found on F1 cars or airplane wings, the gurney flap has unique characteristic effects. Conceptually, the gurney flap directs the airflow over the surface to which it is attached by altering the size or shape of the surface appears to be. Ultimately creating more lift or downforce depending on the location of the gurney flap. Conducted a series of analytical simulations using CFD on ANSYS, as well as field testing of a Volkswagen GTI with and without a gurney flap attached. The results obtained through the methods presented here signify an inconclusive result of the research conducted. While the results lead to further areas of investigation, they were not the type of results desired to produce an outcome able to increase the effectiveness of a car’s response to aerodynamic forces.