The compact nature of concept vehicle programmes rarely provides an opportunity for integrated aerodynamic development. For the Infiniti Emerg-E range-extended electric sport-scar project, however, the aerodynamic development of a running demonstrator vehicle was included as part of the core styling and engineering programme. In order to assess and contribute to the rapid iteration of the style, a process was tailored to the specific timing and resource constraints of the programme. In the time which has passed since the end of the Emerg-E project, the process has been further evolved for application in automotive concept studies. The Infiniti Emerg-E programme provided an opportunity not only to gain expertise in the aerodynamic considerations for range-extended electric vehicles but also, as a valuable spin-off technology, to evolve processes for the application of CFD techniques in early automotive styling and concept work. For this latter contribution, the primary requirement was for rapid turnaround of analyses to answer "what-if" questions to potential shape and form changes as well as proposing design changes. This was successfully achieved to meet the demands of the Emerg-E programme but has subsequently been developed further for application in conventional projects. However, whilst the cost and time-efficient computing element has provided much of the opportunity for this application in vehicle programmes, including the output of huge quantities of numerical and graphical data, more development of the CAD input and data processing techniques are required in order to fully exploit the complete process.
Developing rapid turnaround techniques in aerodynamic development. Experiences with the infiniti emerg-E and beyond
2013
11 Seiten, Bilder, 6 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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