Effect of Spoiler Geometry on Drag and Downforce in a Go-Kart-Scale Vehicle: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study

This preprint investigates how variations in flat-plate spoiler angle affect aerodynamic drag and lift on a small-scale go-kart using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in SolidWorks Flow Simulation. By simulating spoiler angles from 0° to 45° under identical flow conditions, alongside a contrasting variable of aNACA 2412 airfoil-shaped spoiler, the study quantifies changes in drag coefficients, lift forces, and pressure distribution behavior. The results show progressively increasing drag and increasingly negative lift (greater downforce) with larger spoiler angles, matching established aerodynamic trends in existing literature. These findings highlight how even simple geometric modifications can influence stability and efficiency in low-power vehicles.