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

Szudarek, Maciej; Kamieniecki, Konrad; Tudruj, Sylwester; Piechna, Janusz

doi:10.3390/en15155543

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 23 publications

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“…Downforce increases available friction at the tyres. Friction is a product the normal force applied to the road, where normal force comprises the downforce and the force due to the mass of a vehicle [12][13][14][15]. Downforce is preferred as inertia is a product of mass.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

One-Way Fluid Structure Interaction of a Utility Vehicle Splitter using CFD Modelling

Connor Wright,

Mohammad Al-Rawi

2023

CFDL

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The Utility Vehicle, commonly known as a “ute” in New Zealand, and a “pickup” in other countries, is very popular for work, recreation and motorsport. This report investigates how the addition of a front splitter influences the handling ability on a Ford Courier Ute, for better aerodynamics during racing. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) were used to investigate the one-way fluid structure interaction of the speed of the Ute with and without the splitter modification. Three configurations of the splitter were modelled and analysed using SolidWorks 2022, CFD and FEA packages. The ground clearance between the splitter and the road was set at three heights, 200 mm, 150 mm and 50 mm. These designs were compared with the control, in terms of the amount of downforce, drag and aerodynamic efficiency. The ground clearance of 150 mm was optimal, in terms of the parameters investigated. The findings from this paper may inspire Ute enthusiasts to fit a splitter to their Ute for racing applications.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

One-Way Fluid Structure Interaction of a Utility Vehicle Splitter using CFD Modelling

Connor Wright,

Mohammad Al-Rawi

2023

CFDL

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Efficient Mako Shark-Inspired Aerodynamic Design for Concept Car Bodies in Underground Road Tunnel Conditions

Venegas,

Oñate,

Pierart

et al. 2024

Biomimetics

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The automotive industry continuously enhances vehicle design to meet the growing demand for more efficient vehicles. Computational design and numerical simulation are essential tools for developing concept cars with lower carbon emissions and reduced costs. Underground roads are proposed as an attractive alternative for reducing surface congestion, improving traffic flow, reducing travel times and minimizing noise pollution in urban areas, creating a quieter and more livable environment for residents. In this context, a concept car body design for underground tunnels was proposed, inspired by the mako shark shape due to its exceptional operational kinetic qualities. The proposed biomimetic-based method using computational fluid dynamics for engineering design includes an iterative process and car body optimization in terms of lift and drag performance. A mesh sensitivity and convergence analysis was performed in order to ensure the reliability of numerical results. The unique surface shape of the shark enabled remarkable aerodynamic performance for the concept car, achieving a drag coefficient value of 0.28. The addition of an aerodynamic diffuser improved downforce by reducing 58% of the lift coefficient to a final value of 0.02. Benchmark validation was carried out using reported results from sources available in the literature. The proposed biomimetic design process based on computational fluid modeling reduces the time and resources required to create new concept car models. This approach helps to achieve efficient automotive solutions with low aerodynamic drag for a low-carbon future.

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Comprehensive CFD Aerodynamic Simulation of a Sport Motorcycle

Wiński

Piechna

2022

Energies

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Nowadays, aerodynamics is a key focal point in the vehicle design process. Beyond its direct impact on the performance of a vehicle, it also has significant effects on economics and safety. In the last decade numerical methods, mainly Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), have established themselves as a reliable tool that assists in the design process and complements classical tunnel tests. However, questions remain about the possible obtained accuracy, best practices and applied turbulence models. In this paper, we present a comprehensive study of motorcycle aerodynamics using CFD methods which, compared to the most common car aerodynamics analysis, has many specific features. The motorcycle, along with its rider, constitutes a shape with very complex aerodynamic properties. A detailed insight into the flow features is presented with detailed commentary. The front fairing, the front wheel and its suspension were identified as the main contributors to the aerodynamic drag of the motorcycle and its rider. The influence of rider position was also studied and identified as one of the most important elements when considering motorcycle aerodynamics. An extensive turbulence models study was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the most common Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes models and novel hybrid models, such as the Scale Adaptive Simulation and the Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation. Similar values of drag coefficients were obtained for different turbulence models with noticeable differences found for k−ϵ models. It was also observed that near-wall treatment affects the flow behaviour near the wheels and windshield but has no impact on the global aerodynamic parameters. In the summary, a discussion about the obtained results was set forth and a number of questions related to specifics of motorcycle CFD simulations were addressed.

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

Cited by 5 publications

References 23 publications

One-Way Fluid Structure Interaction of a Utility Vehicle Splitter using CFD Modelling

One-Way Fluid Structure Interaction of a Utility Vehicle Splitter using CFD Modelling

Efficient Mako Shark-Inspired Aerodynamic Design for Concept Car Bodies in Underground Road Tunnel Conditions

Comprehensive CFD Aerodynamic Simulation of a Sport Motorcycle

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