Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics | |
Investigation into the Aerodynamic Performance of a Concept Sports Car | |
M. Ghaleeh1  S. Subbakrishna2  S. Milady2  M. Al. Qubeissi2  M. Dickison2  L. T. Wen2  | |
[1] Department of Engineering, University of Northampton, Northampton, United Kingdom;Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom; | |
关键词: aerodynamics; cfd modelling; drag-force; downforce; light-weighting.; | |
DOI : | |
来源: DOAJ |
【 摘 要 】
Transport aerodynamic optimisation has become an increasingly important field of study in response to emerging factors, such as new human needs and market demands. This paper provides a concept in-house built sports-car aerodynamic and shape optimisation. Wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations have been set-up and conducted to understand the concept vehicle aerodynamic structure and needs for performance improvement. A computer-aided design model has been developed and implemented into the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software of StarCCM+ for detailed analysis. A 1/4th full-scale fibreglass model has been manufactured for validation. The combined experimental and CFD analyses show that the original aesthetic design exhibits high rear-end lift-force. Modifications have been assessed to improve the drag and lift forces for the front, middle and rear regions. Several geometrical changes are introduced, including new rear-wing design. Also, the front end, roof profile and various ducting modifications have been considered. The introduced design changes lead to optimised downforce of -560.18 N with negligible increase to the accumulated drag effects with CD ≤ 0.3.
【 授权许可】
Unknown