Numerical analysis of the influence of an actively controlled spoiler on the handling of a sports car

Normal force distribution among tires significantly affects the performance of the vehicle, especially in terms of handling and safety. Consequently, evolving technologies for controlling and regulating normal loads have the potential of boosting the controllability of the vehicle. This paper illustrates the effectiveness of the actively controlled aerodynamic system to increase the performance and the safety margins of a sports car in cornering maneuvers; normal loads on the front and rear axles at high speed are controlled by changing the angle of attack of the front and rear spoilers in opposite directions to alter load distribution. The performance of the controlled system is analyzed through a nonlinear 14-degree-of-freedom vehicle model. Numerical simulations are carried out to understand how the control logic can affect oversteer/understeer response, improving both stability and performance of the vehicle. Robustness of the control systems toward the variation of friction coefficient is also assessed.