How much downforce does a diffuser make?

In a modern Formula 1 car, the diffuser can contribute more than 1000 pounds of downforce. The problem is that this extra stick also raises aerodynamic drag, so engineers have to balance their need for cornering grip and stability against their car’s targeted maximum velocity.

What will happen if we increase the diffuser angle?

With the increase of diffuser angle, the distribution area of positive pressure on the rear of the body first increases and then decreases.

Does a diffuser increase downforce?

Overview. When a diffuser is used, the air flows into the underbody from the front of the car, accelerates and reduces pressure. There is a suction peak at the transition of the flat bottom and diffuser. The diffuser also imparts upward momentum to the air which further increases downforce.

What is diffuser angle?

The angle in the diffuser is to prevent seperation and the resulting turbulence and drag. But a rear wing such as you have can change dramatically what is required of the diffuser, rather than one simply stuck under the boot of a hatchback, for example.

How is downforce measured?

Downforce is calculated as: ½ (wing width in meters) x (wing height in meters) x (angle of wing) x (lift coefficient) x (air density) x (velocity).

How does diffuser increase pressure?

Energy Fundamentals Diffusers are considered steady-flow devices that increase the pressure of fluids by reducing their kinetic energy or in other words reducing the fluid moving velocity.

How do diffusers reduce drag?

Diffusers are capable of reducing drag and increasing downforce for driving cars [13, 14]. The role of the diffuser is to expand the flow from underneath the car to the rear, and this in turn produces a pressure potential, which will accelerate the flow underneath the car, resulting in reduced pressure [15].

What is downforce F1?

Downforce is a measure of how much vertical aerodynamic load is created by a Formula 1 car’s aerodynamic surfaces. At high speed the downforce created by airflow around the body of an F1 car will be far in excess of its weight.

How does a diffuser increase pressure?

How much downforce does an F1 car produce?

To put this into perspective, at 100mph, a modern F1 car will produce roughly 750kg of downforce. Since this is more than the minimum weight limit of the car, this year 743kg, it means it could in theory drive upside down on the ceiling. However, it is not just about piling on as much downforce as possible.