ESR13 | Parv Khurana

The project is aimed at developing novel techniques for numerical aerodynamic analysis in the context of Formula 1 Aerodynamics. The goal is the development of state-of-the-art high-fidelity CFD tools and their implementation in an industrial framework leading to the adoption of such tools in a Formula 1 production environment. Various challenges like accurate modelling of unresolved flow scales, robust implementation of numerical schemes and finding efficient meshing strategies act as bottlenecks in the implementation of high-fidelity CFD tools in the industry.

This project focuses on wall modelling for high order Large-Eddy simulations (LES). The high-fidelity LES methodology for this project is based on the spectral/hp element method, which combines the geometric flexibility of classical finite element techniques with the desirable resolution properties of spectral methods. Wall modelling entails that the turbulence in the inner part of the boundary layer is modelled rather than resolved. Major challenges in this modelling include accurately predicting separating flows and transition from laminar to turbulent flows, which are a staple of industrially relevant problems due to complex geometries and/or the high Reynolds numbers involved. The primary test case for the project is the application of the methodology to the transitional flow around a Formula 1 front wing. A comparison of detailed numerical simulations of the front wing underground effect will be made with existing experimental results to validate the methodology being developed. The developments in this project are achieved by integrating the academic-driven open-source framework Nektar++ into the existing CFD methodology at McLaren.