International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 11 Issue: 12 | Dec 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Design and Analysis of a Split Spoiler to Optimize Downforce and

Turbulence
Sunny Patel, Shubham Jogani, Dip Chaklashiya, Dharmik Chodvadiya, Miten
Naliyadhara,Vaibhav Monpara

---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - The split spoiler design represents a significant Using a BMW M4 Coupe as a case study, the original
advancement in vehicle aerodynamics, improving downforce, spoiler, which generates 1098.55 N of downforce at 300
stability, and handling at high speeds. By introducing a second, km/h, was redesigned to incorporate a split-spoiler
slotted wing positioned at a downward angle, the redesigned configuration. The redesigned system increased downforce
spoiler increased downforce from 1094.32 N to 1342.34 N at to 1342.34 N with a minimal rise in turbulence. This paper
300 km/h, while maintaining turbulence intensity at a examines the theoretical principles behind the split spoiler,
manageable level, rising slightly from 0.1032% to 0.109903%. details the design and simulation process, and evaluates its
Simulations conducted in SolidWorks highlighted the design's impact on overall vehicle performance.
ability to moderate turbulence, enhance airflow reattachment,
and optimize the lift-to-drag ratio, improving traction and 2. CONVENTIONAL(BASELINE) DESIGN OF SPOILER
reducing wake instability. These aerodynamic gains lead to
better cornering stability, shorter stopping distances, and In our initial design, a simple rear car spoiler was modelled
enhanced safety in dynamic driving conditions. While the using SolidWorks and subjected to airflow analysis.
design increases drag slightly, its benefits in stability and
performance outweigh this drawback. Future improvements
could focus on reducing drag further and incorporating
lightweight materials for greater efficiency. This research
demonstrates the potential of advanced spoiler designs to
improve the stability, safety, and overall performance of high-
speed vehicles.

Key Words: Downforce, Split Spoiler, Aerodynamics,

Turbulence Intensity, Computational Fluid Dynamics
(CFD), Vehicle Stability

1. INTRODUCTION
Fig. 1 Baseline(conventional) design of rear spoiler
Aerodynamics is a critical factor in determining a vehicle’s
performance, particularly at high speeds, where forces like The results indicated a turbulence intensity of 0.1032%
drag and lift significantly affect stability, handling, and fuel and a downforce of 1094.32 N at a wind speed of 300 km/h.
efficiency. Spoilers are essential aerodynamic components This design effectively utilized basic aerodynamic principles,
that shape airflow around the vehicle to reduce lift and generating downforce by creating a pressure difference
generate downforce. This downforce enhances grip by above and below the spoiler.
increasing the vertical load on the tires, which is vital for
improved traction during high-speed cornering and braking. The downforce (FL ) is governed by the equation
However, achieving higher downforce often comes at the
expense of increased drag and turbulence, necessitating a FL=1/2*ρv2/(CL*A) ,
careful balance for optimal performance.
Where:
This study focuses on designing and analysing a split air density (ρ),
spoiler system that improves downforce while minimizing velocity (v),
turbulence. A split spoiler consists of two separate lift coefficient (CL ),
aerodynamic surfaces, strategically placed to optimize and reference area (A) are key factors.
airflow and manage pressure distribution. By introducing a
slotted lower wing at a different angle to the original design,
this configuration aims to reduce turbulence and enhance
aerodynamic efficiency.

© 2024, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 8.315 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 19
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 12 | Dec 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

reasonable starting point for airflow control. The redesigned

split spoiler introduced a secondary wing positioned
beneath the main wing. This secondary wing was angled
downward and incorporated slotted gaps to enhance airflow
reattachment and reduce turbulence. The combination of
these two elements allowed for improved pressure
distribution and a more efficient generation of downforce
without excessively increasing drag.

Fig. 2 Air flow through spoiler

Fig. 3 Flow simulation result

While the spoiler provided improved traction, stability, and

braking performance by increasing vertical tire load, its
effectiveness was limited due to turbulence and inefficient
airflow management at higher speeds.

To enhance performance under the same wind speed, a split

spoiler design is proposed. This improved configuration
incorporates a second wing positioned beneath the primary
aero foil, angled downward with slotted gaps to better Fig. 4 New design of split spoiler
manage airflow. The slotted design moderates turbulence
and encourages airflow reattachment, reducing wake Simulation Setup:
instability and increasing aerodynamic efficiency. By
optimizing the lift-to-drag ratio, the split spoiler achieves After the design was finalized, computational fluid dynamics
higher downforce while maintaining acceptable levels of (CFD) simulations were conducted to analyse airflow
turbulence and drag. This advanced design is more suitable behaviour around the spoiler. Key boundary conditions were
for high-speed conditions, as it offers enhanced traction, set for the simulation, with airspeed specified at 300 km/h,
better cornering stability, and shorter stopping distances corresponding to an inlet velocity of 83.33 m/s. A high-
compared to the original spoiler. Adopting the split spoiler resolution mesh was generated around the spoiler to
design would be a significant step forward in maximizing accurately capture the complex airflow patterns, particularly
aerodynamic performance and overall vehicle handling. in regions prone to turbulence and flow separation. The k-ε
turbulence model, a widely used approach for resolving
3. DESIGN AND SIMULATION PROCESS turbulent flows in aerodynamic studies, was selected to
simulate the interaction of air with the spoiler surfaces and
To develop the new split spoiler design, SolidWorks CAD the wake region behind the car.
software was used to model and simulate its aerodynamic
performance. The base spoiler was initially designed using
standard aerofoil geometries with well-documented
aerodynamic properties, ensuring that the shape provided a

© 2024, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 8.315 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 20
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 12 | Dec 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Airflow simulation insights for rear spoiler: streamlines visualized the behavior of air as it passed over
and beneath the spoiler. These streamlines demonstrated
The rear spoiler plays a crucial role in managing the airflow improved airflow reattachment in the split spoiler,
over the back of the car, which is an area prone to lift and particularly due to the slotted design, which helped channel
turbulence. By incorporating the split spoiler design, the and stabilize airflow in critical areas. Turbulence intensity
airflow was directed more effectively, reducing wake was also evaluated, showing a slight increase compared to
turbulence and improving pressure recovery behind the the baseline design, but this was within acceptable limits for
vehicle. This resulted in a stronger and more stable maintaining vehicle stability.
downforce generation while minimizing drag penalties. The
slotted lower wing helped reattach airflow that would
otherwise separate, maintaining smooth flow lines and
reducing the likelihood of chaotic vortices.

Fig. 7 New design flow simulation result

4. METHODOLOGY AND CALCULATIONS

 Baseline Design Parameters:

Downforce (FL ): 1098.55 N

Fig. 5 Air flow around the new spoiler design Airspeed (v): 300 km/h (83.33 m/s)

Turbulence Intensity (TI): 0.103212%

Wing Area (A): 0.5 m² (assumed)

Air Density (ρ): 1.225 kg/m³

From the lift equation:

CLold=2FL/ρv2A

Substituting values:

CLold=2(1098.55)/1.225(83.33)2(0.5)

=0.319
Fig. 6 cut section plane of air flow simulation  New Design Parameters:
Simulation Outputs and Analysis: Downforce (FL ): 1342.34 N
The simulation provided valuable insights into several Turbulence Intensity (TI): 0.109903%
aerodynamic factors. Pressure distribution maps revealed
how the spoiler's shape managed high and low-pressure New lift coefficient:
zones, contributing to the generation of downforce.
CLnew=2FL/ρv2A
The redesigned split spoiler showed a more uniform
pressure distribution compared to the original design, CLnew =2(1342.34)/1.225(83.33)2(0.5)
indicating effective airflow management. Flow velocity

© 2024, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 8.315 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 21
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 12 | Dec 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

=0.39 its weight of 1,680 kg and its baseline spoiler performance,

which closely aligns with the older spoiler design used in this
 Lift-to-Drag Ratio study. The original spoiler on the BMW M4 generates a
downforce of 1098.55 N at a speed of 300 km/h, with a
A drag coefficient CD of 0.034 for the baseline and 0.036 for
coefficient of drag (CD) of 0.34. These characteristics make it
the new design: a suitable candidate for implementing the new split spoiler
design, allowing for a direct comparison of aerodynamic and
L/Dold= CLold/CD
performance improvements. The redesign aims to enhance
downforce while maintaining manageable levels of drag and
=0.319/0.034=9.38
turbulence, ensuring better stability and handling at high
speeds.
L/Dnew= CLnew/CD

=0.390.036=10.83

 Turbulence Analysis

Impact of Turbulence

Turbulence intensity (TI) quantifies fluctuations in airflow

velocity, calculated as:

TI= u′/U

Where:

 u′ Root mean square of velocity fluctuations

 U: Mean flow velocity

TI=Root Mean Square of Velocity Fluctuations/

Mean Flow Velocity×100

Lower turbulence intensity indicates smoother airflow,

while moderate increases are acceptable if accompanied by
significant aerodynamic benefits. The slotted design of the
split spoiler promotes flow reattachment, reducing
separation zones and wake turbulence. Turbulence intensity
increased marginally from 0.103212% to 0.109903%. This
increase is within acceptable limits for maintaining stability. IMAGE :- BMW M4 coupe

The implementation of the improved split spoiler design (taken from: - https://www.acschnitzer-us.com)
impacts several areas of vehicle performance beyond
aerodynamics. While the increased downforce slightly raises  Impact of New Downforce
drag, leading to a minor reduction in fuel efficiency, it
The additional downforce translates to improved tire grip.
significantly enhances handling and stability during high-
This enhances cornering performance and braking
speed maneuvers by improving tire traction. This improved
efficiency:
grip allows the vehicle to maintain better control during
cornering and braking, reducing stopping distances and
Weight on Tires (New)=
ensuring more precise handling. Additionally, the increased
stability and braking performance contribute to overall
Vehicle Weight+ Downforce
safety, making the vehicle more responsive and reliable
under dynamic driving conditions, particularly in critical or New Tire Load=(1680*9.81)+1342.34
emergency scenarios.
=17510.34
5. IMPLEMENTATION ON VEHICLE PERFORMANCE
 Cornering Force:
To evaluate the impact of the redesigned split spoiler, the
BMW M4 Coupe was selected as the case study vehicle due to For cornering friction force play vital role

© 2024, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 8.315 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 22
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 12 | Dec 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Frictional force at the tires is proportional to vertical load: improvements directly impact braking performance by
shortening stopping distances and enabling more precise and
Ffriction= μ*Tire Load responsive handling, particularly in challenging driving
scenarios.
Assuming μ=0.9 (friction coefficient for performance tires):
Calculated Frictional force of BMW M4 coupe is nearly Although the split spoiler delivers outstanding
15268N aerodynamic and safety benefits, future research can explore
further enhancements. For example, minimizing drag while
Ffriction(new)=0.9*17510.34 maintaining or increasing downforce could improve fuel
efficiency, making the design more practical for everyday
=15759.3 N vehicles. Refinements to the slotted configuration, coupled
with the use of lightweight materials, could further optimize
The increase in cornering force (5.1%) improves handling the performance and adaptability of the spoiler. This study
significantly. emphasizes the critical role of innovative spoiler designs in
advancing vehicle stability, safety, and efficiency, making it a
Using the BMW M4 Coupe as an example, the redesigned valuable step forward in automotive aerodynamics.
split spoiler demonstrated significant performance
improvements compared to its assumed older spoiler. 7. REFERANCES
Downforce increased by 22.2%, rising from 1098.55 N to 1. Hucho, W. H. (2013).Aerodynamics of Road Vehicles
1342.34 N at a speed of 300 km/h, enhancing tire grip and (5th ed.). SAE International. Chapter: “Fundamentals
stability. Although turbulence intensity saw a slight rise of of Vehicle Aerodynamics.”
6.5% (from 0.103212% to 0.109903%), it remained within
manageable levels. 2. Katz,J.(2016).Race Car Aerodynamics: Designing for
Speed. BentleyPublishers. Chapter: “Spoiler and
Additionally, the frictional force on the tires increased by Wing Applications in Race Cars. “
5.1%, from 15,268.1 N to 15,759.3 N, contributing to
improved braking and cornering performance. These results 3. Anderson,J.D. (2010).Fundamentals of Aerodynamics
highlight the enhanced aerodynamics and overall handling (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. Chapter:
capabilities provided by the new design. “Incompressible Flow Over Airfoils.”

6. CONCLUSION 4. Selig, M. S., Guglielmo, J. J., & McGranahan, B. D.

(1997). "High-Lift Aerodynamics: Airfoil Design
The split spoiler design offers significant improvements in Methods." Journal of Aircraft.
aerodynamic performance, demonstrating an increase in
downforce from 1094.32 N in the original design to 1342.34 5. Al-Garni, A. Z., & Al-Mozaini, S. M. (2018).
N at a wind speed of 300 km/h. This enhancement is "Aerodynamic Analysis of a Rear Spoiler for
achieved through the introduction of a second, slotted wing Passenger Cars Using CFD." Applied Sciences.
positioned at a downward angle, which effectively
moderates turbulence and ensures better airflow 6. Aghav, V., & Patil, R. (2020). "CFD Analysis of
reattachment. Automobile Spoiler and its Impact on
Aerodynamics." International Journal of Engineering
The slight increase in turbulence intensity, from 0.1032% Research & Technology (IJERT).
to 0.109903%, is an acceptable trade-off, as it is accompanied
by a substantial boost in vehicle stability, handling, and 7. Srivastava, S., & Kumar, A. (2020). "CFD Analysis of
cornering performance. This advanced design highlights how Rear Spoiler for Improved Vehicle Stability."
innovative aerodynamic solutions can transform vehicle International Journal of Mechanical and Production
dynamics under high-speed conditions. Engineering Research and Development (IJMPERD).

One of the key benefits of the split spoiler lies in its 8. Spohrer, M., & Gatzweiler, R. (2022). "The Impact of
efficient airflow management. The slotted configuration Downforce on Vehicle Dynamics: An Analysis Using
reduces wake turbulence and enhances pressure recovery, Aerodynamic Simulations." Automotive Engineering.
contributing to a better lift-to-drag ratio. By increasing the lift
coefficient (CL) without significantly affecting the drag 9. Versteeg, H. K., & Malalasekera, W. (2007). An
coefficient (CD)the design provides superior traction and grip Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics: The
during high-speed manoeuvres. The reduction in vortex Finite Volume Method. Pearson Education.
generation around the vehicle results in smoother airflow,
improving overall aerodynamic efficiency. These

© 2024, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 8.315 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 23
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 12 | Dec 2024 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

10. Kim, J., & Kline, S. J. (1999). "Effects of Flow

Reattachment on Aerodynamic Efficiency." Journal of
Fluid Mechanics.

11. Versteeg, H. K., & Malalasekera, W. (2007). An

Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics: The
Finite Volume Method (2nd ed.). Pearson Education.
Chapter: “CFD Applications in Aerodynamics.”

12. Bejan, A. (2013). Shape and Structure, from

Engineering to Nature. Cambridge University Press.
Chapter: “Flow Optimization and Natural
Aerodynamics.”

13. Kumar, R., & Kaushik, R. (2019)."Optimization of

Lift-to-Drag Ratio for Automotive Aerodynamics."
International Journal of Vehicle Design.

14. Aghav, V., & Patil, R. (2020)."CFD Analysis of

Automobile Spoiler and its Impact on Aerodynamics.
“International Journal of Engineering Research &
Technology (IJERT).

15. Pope, A., & Goin, K. L. (2001). High-Lift

Aerodynamics. Cambridge University Press. Chapter:
“Airfoil and Wing Configurations for Automotive
Applications.”

16. Wang, X., & Li, Z. (2019)."Numerical Simulation of

Flow Reattachment in Split Spoiler Design." Journal
of Fluid Mechanics.

© 2024, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 8.315 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 24