Aerodynamic analysis of an active rear split spoiler for improving lateral stability of high-speed vehicles

Abstract

This paper examines an active rear split spoiler designed for improving lateral stability of high-speed vehicles under high lateral acceleration (high-g) scenarios, such as a tight cornering manoeuvre at high speeds. Downforces produced by the spoiler can enhance the lateral stability of the vehicle under a high-g cornering manoeuvre. On the other hand, the spoiler may introduce additional drags on the vehicle. Aerodynamic analysis and wind tunnel testing are conducted to evaluate the dynamic effects of the active spoiler on a high-speed car. The downforce and drag, as well as their relationship, are investigated using CFD simulations of the car with the active rear split spoiler at different spoiler angles of attack and at different speeds. Then, the achieved CFD simulation results are compared with the experimental data derived from the wind tunnel on the physical car and the spoiler prototype. The observations and findings achieved from the study may provide valuable guidelines for developing active aerodynamic control systems to increase safety of high-speed vehicles.