Formula 1 Aerodynamics

Speaker: Dr Richard Stephens (Aerodynamicist, Renault Sport Racing)

This talk will unpick the importance of Aerodynamics in F1, in particular how it plays a significant part in achieving the ultimate goal of producing two fast, race-winning cars. The state-of-the-art technology used to conduct the precise aerodynamic measurements needed to achieve performance improvements will be presented. Finally, real examples of design studies from past seasons will be shown.

Richard grew up in Chelmsford and is an alumnus of Chelmer Valley High School. He studied for his MEng at the University of Cambridge, graduating in 2013. He specialised in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering, and was involved with the design of the Solar Racing Vehicle. He stayed at Cambridge to complete his PhD in 'The Aerodynamics of Heavy Goods Vehicles', using a water towing tank to study the flow-field of a lorry. This resulted in a 7% reduction in fuel consumption of vehicles used by a leading supermarket.

Richard is now an Aerodynamicist with the Renault Sport Racing Formula 1 team. Working on the rear of the car, his day-to-day work includes the geometric design of car parts, and subsequent computational and experimental analysis. He also contributes to the continual development of wind tunnel testing methodology.

Refreshments will be available before the talk from 19:00.