Numerical Simulation of the Influence of Intake Grille Shape on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Passenger Car

Abstract

The influence of the front intake grille shape on the aerodynamics of a passenger car is studied,and a numerical simulation is made on a full-scale CAD automobile model with different grille shapes, including straight, convex, concave, and M and W-shaped. The results show that the drag coefficient Cd and the radiator mass flow rate Q have a rough correlation, and the straight grille has the best effect, with smaller Cd by 0.05% and larger Q by 0.19%. Although it is numerically insignificant, the straight grille uses the least amount of materials as well, thus it is considered the best.