Case Study: Swift Engineering makes Formula racing more exciting with Tecplot Chorus

Tecplot Chorus Helps Swift Engineering Inc. Change Mushroom-shaped Wakes on Formula Race Cars to Make Passing Easier and Auto Racing More Exciting

Swift Engineering, Inc. wanted to make Formula auto racing more exciting by reducing the turbulent wake behind its race cars, which can make passing difficult. Working with Tecplot, Inc. and using Tecplot Chorus, the team studied how small changes to rear wing position and rotation affected both wake shape and aerodynamic performance.

Tecplot Chorus helped Swift organize, compare, and visualize CFD results efficiently, revealing how subtle wing adjustments could significantly change downforce, drag, and wake behavior. The analysis showed that the best-performing configuration also produced the highest, least obstructive wake, and Tecplot, Inc. reported that tasks that once took four or five hours could now be done in just five to ten minutes, freeing engineers to focus more on design and optimization.

Swift Engineering, Inc.

John Winkler

Chief Aerodynamicist