Reverse Engineering and Performance Enhancement of a NACA Duct for Cockpit Cooling in a GT4 Racing Car

This research investigates vented airflow optimisation for cockpit cooling in a GT4 car via NACA duct designs. Despite their efficiency in providing cooling with minimal aerodynamic drag, NACA duct designs are relatively overlooked in GT4 racing. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by combining reverse engineering, additive manufacturing, numerical simulation, and wind tunnel testing. Comparative design analysis indicates that a new prototype design featuring a 5˚ ramp angle and 1:2 area ratio improves airflow by 15% and doubles suction with minimal drag. These findings offer promising insights for enhancing part designs and balancing performance enhancements whilst minimising trade-offs.