CBL - Campus del Baix Llobregat

Projecte matriculat

Títol: Aerodynamic Analysis and Optimization of a 2026 Formula 1 Active Rear Wing

Director/a: ALTMEYER, SEBASTIÁN ANDREAS

Departament: FIS

Títol: Aerodynamic Analysis and Optimization of a 2026 Formula 1 Active Rear Wing

Data inici oferta: 24-01-2026     Data finalització oferta: 24-09-2026


Estudis d'assignació del projecte:
    GR ENG SIS TELECOMUN
    GR ENG SIST AEROESP
    GR ENG TELEMÀTICA
Tipus: Individual
 
Lloc de realització: EETAC
 
Paraules clau:
Formula 1, rear wing, aerodynamic optimization, aerodynamic efficiency, CFD simulations
 
Descripció del contingut i pla d'activitats:
This project studies the "Active Aerodynamics" in Formula 1 based on the new rules for 2026. The new regulation allows the cars to have active moving parts, which means the wings can move while the car is driving. The project will study how this new rear wing works in its two main positions (Mode X and Mode Z).

The Main Goals are:
- Design a 3-part rear wing that fits the new 2026 FIA rules.
- Mode Z (Corner mode): use Ansys (CFD) to test the wing when it is tilted up. The goal here is to get maximum downforce (grip) so the car can go fast through corners.
- Mode X (Straight line mode): test the wing again when it is flat. The goal here is to get minimum drag (air resistance) so the car reaches a high top speed.
- Compare the results to see how much more efficient the car becomes when it switches between these two modes.
 
Orientació a l'estudiant:
The student will learn the main features regarding the aerodynamics around a Formula 1 car with particular focus on the rear wing with the goal to generate maximum down force in the corners while keeping a minimal drag in a straight line. She/He has to analyze the current situation and reglementation used in Formula 1 with particular focus on recent evolution
developments regarding aerodynamics considering the latest regulation change. She/He has to become familiarize with the main characteristic parameters, e.g. lift and drag coefficient, efficiency, etc. Programming languages as Matlab, SolidWorks software, and Python will be learned and/or deepen. Simulations will be performed via AnsysFluent in order to find the optimal design. Supervisor and student will meet regular basis about once a week to evaluate the progress and discuss the following steps. In case of bigger problems the student can approach the supervisor any time in order to solve the problems as soon as possible in order to avoid any hold backs.
 
 
 
Horari d'atenció a estudiants per a l'assignació de projecte:
Regular meetings of about 1-2h will be setup weekly in order to check, discuss and evaluate the progress as well to plan the following steps. In case of bigger problems extraordinary meetings will be done as soon as possible.

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