Aerodynamic Performance Enhancement of a Sports Vehicle Using Numerical Techniques

Abstract

Evaluation of vehicle aerodynamics is an integral part of automotive engineering. The aerodynamic performance of automobile has great influence on the power performance, economy, handling stability and ride comfort of the vehicle. In this context, the present work focuses on improving the aerodynamic performance of a modelled sports vehicle using numerical techniques. Baseline analysis of a research paper was conducted for validation of the results obtained in numerical simulations. Multiple turbulence models, flow boundary conditions, and inlet parameters were explored using Ansys Fluent Computational Fluid Dynamics software. The validation of the baseline data was proved using convergence, numerical and theoretical validation. Solution convergence parameters were Absolute Residual criteria and Mass Flow Rate. Grid Independency, Inlet Velocity and Flow Turbulence Model checks were employed to further refine the accuracy of simulations. This research studied and presented the effects of a two-flap spoiler on the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle using pressure, velocity, and eddy viscosity contours using simulations of incompressible air flow over the modelled car body. Improved flow contours exhibited a reduction of Coefficient of Drag and Lift parameters. Using Coefficient of Pressure (Cp) as a baseline parameter, multiple configurations of flow boundary conditions were explored. The literature consists of theoretical, experimental, and numerical aspects of the research papers and journals that were studied for this research. The objectives were to model, mesh and simulate a sports car to better understand the flow vortices and validate the aerodynamic flow parameters with the studied literature.