Active Rear Wing

Authors

Alexandros Maroufkhani, University of the Pacific
George Turvey, University of the Pacific
Carlos Villegas, University of the Pacific
Curtis Yamanaka, University of the Pacific

Lead Author Major

Mechanical Engineering

Format

SOECS Senior Project Demonstration

Faculty Mentor Name

Kyle Watson

Faculty Mentor Department

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract/Artist Statement

The purpose of this project was to design and fabricate an articulated aerodynamic device for actively modifying the aerodynamics of a car to provide braking, add downforce and retract when not in use. This would allow the user to take advantage of the downforce a rear wing provides during high performance driving without the additional drag caused by conventional rear wings during normal driving. Lightweight construction, including composite layups, was used to reduce weight. Mechanical control systems were used to actuate the system simply and easily. The active rear wing ended up being a success. The control system allows the user to easily adjust the height of the rear wing and depressing the brake pedal causes the wing's angle to change to function as an air brake. The custom built carbon-kevlar foam core wing was a success, giving us a lightweight, strong, efficient wing for our system. Finally, the frame tying everything together was a success and is more than strong enough to withstand all force it would encounter.

Location

School of Engineering & Computer Science

Start Date

2-5-2015 2:30 PM

End Date

2-5-2015 4:30 PM