Aerodynamics of curved underbody diffusers using CFD

Huminic, Angel; Huminic, Gabriela

doi:10.1016/j.jweia.2020.104300

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 15 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…As can be observed in Figure 5, interpreted from [28], that the flow experiences an acceleration after the inlet of the underbody (low-pressure zone) for both cases, the baseline and the diffuser setting. That zone is followed by a pressure recovery phenomenon [18] that finally adopts the free stream pressure value.…”

Section: Literature Review and Diffusers' Fundamental Theorymentioning

confidence: 64%

A Numerical Aerodynamic Analysis on the Effect of Rear Underbody Diffusers on Road Cars

2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The aerodynamic complexity of the underbody surfaces of conventional road vehicles is a matter of fact. Currently available literature is focused mainly on very simple Ahmed-body geometries as opposed to realistic car shapes, due to their complexity and computational cost. We attempted to understand the flow behaviour around different realistic conventional road car geometries, and we provide an extensive evaluation of the aerodynamic loads generated. The key findings of this article could potentially set a precedent and be useful within the automotive industry’s investigations on drag-reduction mechanisms or sources of downforce generation. The novelty of the work resides in the realistic approach employed for the geometries and in the investigation of barely researched aerodynamic elements, such as front diffusers, which might pave the way for further research studies. A baseline flat-underfloor design, a 7∘ venturi diffuser-equipped setup, a venturi diffuser with diagonal skirts, and the same venturi diffuser with frontal slot-diffusers are the main configurations we studied. The numerical predictions evaluated using RANS computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations deal with the aerodynamic coefficients. The configuration that produced the highest downforce coefficient was the one composed of the 7∘ venturi diffuser equipped with diagonal sealing skirts, achieving a CL value of −0.887, which represents an increase of around 1780% with regard to the baseline model. That achievement and the gains in higher vertical loads also entail a compromise with an increase in the overall air resistance. The performance achieved with diffusers in the generation of downforce is, as opposed to the one obtained with conventional wings, a cleaner alternative, by avoiding wake disturbances and downwash phenomena.

show abstract

Section: Literature Review and Diffusers' Fundamental Theorymentioning

confidence: 64%

A Numerical Aerodynamic Analysis on the Effect of Rear Underbody Diffusers on Road Cars

2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Designers of cars with covered wheels have no problem providing significant aerodynamic downforce to the car's rear axle; see [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Using inverted wings and diffusers in the rear of the body is a typical solution for aerodynamic downforce of the rear wheels [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards Balanced Aerodynamic Axle Loading of a Car with Covered Wheels—Inflatable Splitter

et al. 2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Generating aerodynamic downforce for the wheels on the front axle of a car is a much more difficult task than for the rear axle. This paper, submitted to the special issue of Energies “Future of Road Vehicle Aerodynamics”, presents an unusual solution to increase the aerodynamic downforce of the front axle for cars with covered wheels, with the use of an elastic splitter. The effect of the inflatable splitter on the aerodynamic forces and moments was studied in a DrivAer passenger car and a fast sports car, Arrinera Hussarya. Providing that the ground clearance was low enough, the proposed solution was successful in increasing the front axle downforce without a significant increase in drag force. The possibility of emergency application of such a splitter in the configuration of the body rotated by up to 2 degrees with the front end raised was also analyzed. An elastic, deformed splitter remained effective for the nonzero pitch case. The results of the calculations are presented in the form of numerical data of aerodynamic forces, pressure and velocity distributions, and their comparisons. The benefits of the elastic splitter are documented, and the noted disadvantages are discussed.

show abstract

Study of Aerodynamic Components on the Rear of the Car and the Effects of Varying Design Parameters

Dawar¹,

Singh²,

Himanshu³

2022

Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Aerodynamics of curved underbody diffusers using CFD

Cited by 8 publications

References 15 publications

A Numerical Aerodynamic Analysis on the Effect of Rear Underbody Diffusers on Road Cars

A Numerical Aerodynamic Analysis on the Effect of Rear Underbody Diffusers on Road Cars

Towards Balanced Aerodynamic Axle Loading of a Car with Covered Wheels—Inflatable Splitter

Study of Aerodynamic Components on the Rear of the Car and the Effects of Varying Design Parameters

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About