The Effects of Rear Spoilers on Automobiles
Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Pete Johnson
College
College of Engineering (COE)
Discipline(s)
Computational Fluid Dynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Dynamics
ORCID Identifier(s)
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5070-9255
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-24-2025
Abstract
Spoilers are a common implement on modern automobiles due to their enhancement of vehicle stability and performance. Spoilers are majorly utilized in motor sports due to the introduced drag they provide that creates a downforce on the vehicle. The downforce pulls the car towards the road, increasing stability and traction. This study analyzes the effects that rear spoilers have on automobiles by utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to confirm the benefit of these added forces on modern automobiles. Using Sim-Scale, a web based CFD modeling software, 3-D models of automobiles with and without a rear spoiler are simulated to compare the effects of aerodynamic drag utilizing velocity and pressure gradients. Comparing the simulated results will show the quantitative differences in forces between automobiles with and without an added spoiler. The increase in pressures introduced on the rear of the vehicle due to the added spoiler increases the aerodynamic drag of said automobile. This creates a negative lift force that provides greater traction and stability when driving at higher speeds. However, the increased drag may have a slight effect on fuel efficiency when compared to the car without a spoiler, as the drag introduced requires more power to get the vehicle up to the same speed.
Recommended Citation
Matchen, Ryan, "The Effects of Rear Spoilers on Automobiles" (2025). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1456.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1456
Biographical Information about Author(s)
Ryan Matchen: I am a transfer student majoring in mechanical engineering at Valparaiso University. My love of engineering started in high school when I decided to take a Computer Aided Design course. From there, designing and creating projects pushed me to further my education and study engineering. Upon transferring to Valparaiso, a fascination in fluid dynamics led me to take on a Computational Fluid Dynamics project modeling the effects of rear spoilers on automobiles.