University of Waterloo Formula Motorsports team, winners of the 2009 FSAE CFdesign CFD Award, used software to simulate the maximum pressure recovery through their intake restrictor. The final design improved pressure recovery by 4%, enhancing overall engine performance, while reducing exhaust emissions.

For the 2009 FSAE competition, the Waterloo team set out to improve the airflow through their intake restrictor to help optimize combustion in the car’s engine. The goal was to increase power output and efficiency, while reducing the amount of carbon dioxide coming out of the exhaust. Using CFD software, the team compared results for pressure recovery for three designs (their original design and two alternatives), hoping to maximize pressure recovery while still remaining within the FSAE regulations.

CFD simulation resulted in a final design that improved pressure recovery by 4% and eliminated flow separation in the diverging section of the restrictor.  The new restrictor design helped improve the overall performance of the engine by optimizing the flow of air through increased combustion efficiency. Using CFD simulation the team was able to achieve their goal, while also reducing development time and cost.

Organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the Formula SAE competition gives students a unique opportunity to conceive, design, fabricate, and compete in formula-style racing cars. Teams build cars over a period of about one year and take them to annual competition for judging and comparison against approximately 120 other vehicles from colleges and universities throughout the world.

Blue Ridge Numerics, Inc.
www.cfdesign.com