Keywords
Formula E
Abstract
The aerodynamic performance of a Formula E chassis significantly dictates its overall race efficiency, directly impacting crucial parameters such as battery range and thermal management. This thesis investigates the external aerodynamics of the baseline Gen 2 Formula E car and evaluates the performance gains of two novel aerodynamic packages: a "Fully Modified" configuration and a "Flat Rear Wing" design. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to analyze drag coefficients (Cd), downforce generation, and vehicle wake structures at race-relevant free-stream velocities (e.g., 37 m/s and 89 m/s). To ensure numerical robustness, the computational setup was validated using a smooth sphere benchmark, supported by a mesh independence study and a comparative analysis of the k-omega turbulence models. The CFD results demonstrate that the "Fully Modified" configuration substantially narrows the turbulent wake structure and achieves an approximate 28-31% improvement in overall aerodynamic efficiency compared to the baseline chassis. Ultimately, these findings provide actionable engineering insights into how targeted aerodynamic modifications can be utilized to optimize power consumption and component cooling in electric motorsports.
Thesis Completion Year
2026
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Tuhin Das
College
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Department
Mechanical Enginering
Thesis Discipline
Mechanical Engineering
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Jozil, Ednie Marthe Adlaikah, "Investigation of the Impact of the Shape of the Wings on Formula E Racing Car Performance: Enhancements for Optimal Aerodynamics" (2026). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 646.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/646
Included in
Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics Commons, Computer-Aided Engineering and Design Commons, Navigation, Guidance, Control, and Dynamics Commons, Other Aerospace Engineering Commons
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