Formula 1 aerodynamics: Versatility of the NLF(1)-0414F airfoil at low Reynolds numbers

Abstract

Natural laminar flow airfoils widely used in Aeronautical Engineering are often adapted for applications in motor racing. However, race cars operate at low Reynolds numbers and airfoil aerodynamic qualities in off-design conditions are less well understood. Thus, this study evaluated the aerodynamic qualities and boundary layer stability of the NLF(1)-0414F during operation at the Reynolds numbers typical of Formula 1 racing. Airfoil aerodynamic parameters were obtained using AeroFoil 2.2 software, founded upon the vortex panel method and integral boundary layer equations. The NLF(1)-0414F airfoil offers versatility for motor racing with a wide low-drag bucket, high lift/drag ratio, laminar flow up to 0.7 chord, rapid concave pressure recovery, high integrated pressure coefficient and stall resistance at Reynolds numbers of 0.82-1.29 × 106. The findings have applications for the construction of the Formula 1 car front wing and also the lifting surfaces of unmanned aerial vehicles that operate at low Reynolds numbers.