Category: Aero
Ground Effect
Aerodynamic phenomenon where downforce is generated by accelerating air under the car through shaped underbody and diffusers.
Ground effect creates downforce with minimal drag penalty. The car's floor is shaped to accelerate air underneath, creating a low-pressure zone that sucks the car toward the ground. Modern F1 cars generate most downforce from ground effect via Venturi tunnels. Road cars like the Gordon Murray T.50 use rear fans to enhance ground effect suction.
Related Concepts
DownforceDiffuserUnderbodyVenturi Effect