A geometrically faithful model of the Aston Martin VI2 Vanquish was formed in 3D CAD and used to perform an extensive CFD study into the airflow in and around the wheel arch of the vehicle. Parameters such as spin ratio, ground clearance, vertical and horizontal insertion into the wheel arch and the yaw angles experienced during cornering, were all under investigation. The additional aim of the research was to validate or refute the use of CFD as a tool in this complex area of fluid flow. This research serves to highlight a number of problems and potential solutions in the use of CFD. Meshing problems can be eliminated with increased computational power and suggestions have been made to improve the modeling of rotating boundaries that include radial features such as wheel spokes. Much of the CFD data ties well with previously conducted experimental work, if not numerically then in trend. Without additional physical validation however, it is difficult to ascertain the overall accuracy and usefulness of the remaining results, which have not yet been conducted in physical reality. Despite its limitations, the use of CFD permitted an extensive analysis in a comparatively short length of time and served to highlight potential areas for increased scrutiny. As an example, results from the final yaw angle case drew attention to a potential concern for aerodynamic destabilisation of the vehicle during cornering, generating lift on the front arch of the car that is already lifted due to cornering forces and body roll.
Wheel arch aerodynamics of a modern road vehicle
Aerodynamik des Radgehäuses bei modernen Straßenfahrzeugen
2003
8 Seiten, 17 Bilder, 2 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
Strömungsmechanik , Aerodynamik , numerische Strömungssimulation , Drehzahl , CAD (Computer Aided Design) , Gierbewegung , Fahrzeugbau , Strömungswiderstand , Kraftstoffverbrauch , Wechselwirkung , Fahrzeugrad , turbulente Strömung , reibungsbehaftete Strömung , Programmsystem , Grenzschicht , Strömungsmessung , Lasermesstechnik , Teilchenabbildgeschwindigkeitsmessung , Radgehäuse
Wheel arch aerodynamics of a modern road vehicle
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003
|TIBKAT | 1984
|TIBKAT | 1979
|The aerodynamics of an isolated road wheel
Kraftfahrwesen | 1975
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