I.

Introduction

Using fluid dynamic techniques which improves the car performance resulted to
massive investment are spent. From the worlds biggest and richest sponsors, vast of
money are spent to gain improved aerodynamic of a vehicle, moreover huge effort is put
through aerodynamic enhancements. (Sewdar, 2010)
In the Philippines population is growing very fast and there are different factors which
are responsible for this. A growing population leads to several environmental issues. The
demand for energy rises significantly and the emission of greenhouse gas increases that
can cause global warming, because heat is trap and make the planet warmer. Human
activities are the responsible for almost all of the increase, the primary sources of
greenhouse gas emission here in the Philippines is from transportation. Fuel used for
transportation is petroleum based, which includes gasoline and diesel.
The Shell foresees that young engineers all over the world are the solution of the vast
problem that the world has. Engineering students all over the world was called their
attention by the Shell goals, to design, to build and test ultra-energy efficient vehicles.
The students from the University of Mindanao encourage to join the Shell Eco Marathon
2015 in order to help solve the environmental issues facing not only here in Mindanao
but all over the world, like global warming.
The researchers study is to improve and optimize the once that can be used for today
and also, to minimize the use of emitting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and
methane. The study focuses on aerodynamic. The effects of air flow over surfaces is an

indispensable element for modern cars' efficiencies. Both economics and performance are
related, because aerodynamics helps to decrease the drag force that makes the cars more
stabilized and gives a chance of reducing fuel consumption. The fundamental principles
of Aerodynamic are applied in the research to contribute solutions from environmental
issues and also abiding to the rules and regulations in 2015 Shell Eco Marathon
competition.
Conceptual Framework
As shown in (figure 1) the researchers explain the visualization of the whole process.
The independent variable is input and the dependent variable is output of the study and
also, the moderator variable is the process of the study.
INPUT

PROCESS
Testing
Hypothesis
Molding
Fabricating

Research
Gathering data
Costing
Developing

OUTPUT
Develop
Aerodynamic
Body

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework

II.

Objective of the Study

The researchers main goals of the study in developing aerodynamic body are as
follows:
1. To compare each coefficient of drag of the different body designs.
2. To choose less coefficient of drag among the designs.
3. To fabricate and mold the body of the best design.

4. To test the aerodynamic using Solid Works (SW) simulation, instead of

using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel.
5. To abide the rules and regulations in 2015 shell eco marathon.

III.

Importance of the Study

Since then scientists and engineers spent most of their time in developing car
performance and efficiency. One of their researches that they focused is enhancing
aerodynamic of a car body. That will help to reduce fuel consumption and drag force that
affect the car performance. Most of the people who uses car neglect the importance of
aerodynamic, with that situation the car will be inefficient and not stabilized due to drag
force created. Drag force is the opposing force that created by air flow over surfaces.
Aerodynamic helps to decrease the drag force, makes car more stabilized and gives a
chance of reducing fuel consumption.
The research study is proposed to develop the aerodynamic of the prototype car
body that can contribute to the environmental issues as well to use in the 2015 Shell Eco
Marathon competition.

IV.

Target beneficiaries

The researchers believe that this study will help to provide solutions in reducing fuel
consumption, more stabilized, lessen the drag force and also to impart solutions in
environmental problem. Thus, the following will be the beneficiaries of our study.
Researchers. This will help to provide broad knowledge and information that leads to be
a better researcher and a problem solver.
The University of Mindanao. The students, as well as the faculty members will be
recognized among other schools who are competitors that joined the competition, which
the goals of institution aligned to their ones vision and mission.

V.

Review of Related Literature

Wind tunnel test that helps to calculate the drag of a vehicle. From this the general

conclusions were that: (1) rounding the forward edges,(2) sloping the forward face
rearwards from the bottom,(3) reducing the gap, and (4) using guide vanes down the
rear vertical edges , would contribute to reduced drag. A low drag incorporates a small
improvement 6-10% in drag over the basis. Some data is presented, indicating a center of
pressure for side force a little ahead of the center of side area. This creates a destabilizing effect which increases the speed. (Waters, DM, 1970)
However, the rate of increase in aerodynamic drag due to increasing vehicle speed is
much greater than rolling friction. As shown in (Figure 2), the force required to overcome

aerodynamic drag was exceeds compare to the requirement to overcome rolling friction.
The easier it is for a car to move, the less energy the engine need to push the car through
the air. (Rose McCallen, etl. al.2000).
All of these factors must be addressed when developing technologies to improve
in term of fuel consumption and performance of the developed aerodynamic body. The
improvement can be achieved by developing the shape of the body frame, to decrease the
aerodynamic resistance (drag). (Rose McCallen etl. al., 2000).

Figure 2: Graphic depicting representative horsepower requirements versus vehicle

speed.(Rose McCallen, etl. al., 2000).
External aero analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) techniques is
widely used in the accurate estimation of an automotive vehicles drag coefficient, often
critical in determining the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and thus drives the design
development process. (Rose McCallen, etl. al., 2000).
The engine creates a pushing force which is thrust, thus this force resulting to a
natural force called drag which has a direct effect on acceleration. The acceleration (a) of
an object is its weight (W) minus drag (D) divided by its mass (m). Weight is an object's
mass times the force of gravity acting on it.

To put it simply:
a = (W - D) / m

(1.1)

The drag coefficient (Cd) is equal to the drag (D), divided by the quantity of the
density (r), times half the velocity (V) squared times the area (A). To make that more
readable:
Cd = D / (A * .5 * r * V^2)

(1.2)

Designing a car with good aerodynamic positively affects its ability to accelerate
and its fuel economy and understanding the coefficient of drag, is a figure that measures
the force of air resistance on an object which is component of aerodynamic, it is the
primary factor that determine how easily an object moves through the air. Thus the lower
the Cd, the more aerodynamic body is, and the easier it can move through the wall of air
pushing against it.
VI.

Scope and Delimitations

This study was conducted to develop the aerodynamic of the body. This allows to the
researchers to study the principles related to aerodynamics. The rules of aerodynamic are
to explain how an object will move and how will object reacts, surrounded by air which
can create air friction and affect the object movement. Reviewing physics to freshen the
idea about aerodynamic, these include mass, velocity, weight, external force, and
acceleration stated in Newtons law. As an object moves through the atmosphere, it
displaces the air that surrounds it.

The studies consist of gathering information from various authors of the books and
pdfs file from the internet, and professional persons who shared their knowledge in
better understanding the aerodynamic principles. Applying the knowledge acquired in
developing the aerodynamic body was required to complete this study.
This study is focus on Solid Works simulation, Solid Works Simulation provides core
simulation tools to test the flow of air and pressures of the body. The knowledge on the
aerodynamics will be applied to test the flow of the air through the body. In designing the
body, teardrop design of the body is use, ideal for allowing air to flow easily, passing
around its smooth edges and falling of gently at the end.
This study is limited to perform Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD). Thus, this
study will not be able to meet the higher standards of codes in aerodynamic.
VII.

Methodology

This section shows the methods used in this study. This includes gathering of data,
research design, research procedure, research materials, preparation of materials, molding
the body, and, fabricating.
Gathering Data
The data that are used in this study was from the internet and from the general
rules and regulations in the 2015 Shell Eco Marathon. The gathering of data was focused
in developing aerodynamic of the proto type car body.

Research Design
The design of the body was based upon the result of the simulation of the Solid
Works software and the general rules and regulations of the 2015 Shell Eco Marathon.
Research Procedure
The researcher spent time in finding fiber glass maker, to find out what are the
techniques and procedures of fiber glass making.
The following are the procedures in fiber glass making:
Step1. Prepare a molding.
Step2. Wax the molding using the floor wax.
Step3. Prepare the fiber glass mat.
Step4. Mix the three chemicals gallon resin, 1 liter colloidal silica filler and 1 spool
cobalt.
Step5. Put the premix chemicals in the tin can and put one table spoon of hardener. Stir
well.
Step6. Applied first layer of a fiber glass mat into the body and coat the chemicals using
brush.
Step7. Repeat step4, step5 and step6 until the body filled with fiber glass mat.

Research Materials
To complete the research materials the researcher was based their study through
the internet and fiber glass maker. Mr. Dolfo Olaguer a fiber glass maker listed the
materials to be needed.
The following are the materials that are needed in fiber glass making:
Fiberglass mat. One of the most popular forms of reinforcement for non-structural
applications.
Polyester Resin. A polymer, which means the material's molecules are complex and
often formed from the evaporation of water from the other chemicals in it.
Colloidal Silica Filler. A chemical made of oxygen molecules combined with other
molecules.
Hardener.

To

hardened

the

fiberglass

strand.

Cobalt. Intended as an improvement to epoxy, creating a faster cure time and better
workability.
Preparation of Materials
The materials that needed in molding and fabricating the body were brought by the
researchers from stores within the locality.

Molding the Body

The simulation output from Solid works was the basis to complete molding the
body.
The following are the materials that are needed in molding the body.
G.I. Plain sheet. Hot-dip zinc-coated galvanized steel sheet.
Tin mans Shear. A tool use to cut plain sheet
Flat bar. A handlebar that does not have any rise or drop.
Post Drill. Used to drill holes on materials vertically.
Hand Drill. An equipment used to drill holes on materials manually in different
orientation.
Rivets. A headed pin or bolt of metal used for uniting two or more pieces.
Riveter. A tool used to fasten rivets.
Grinder. An equipment used to refine rough surfaces.
Cutting disk. Used for cutting materials.
Chalkstone. Used for marking metal bar and etc.
Welding machine. A machine use to unite metallic parts.
Welding rod. A rod or heavy wire that melts and thus supplies metal in fusion welding.
Tie wire. A wireused to hold forms together so they will not spread when filled with
concrete.
Body filler. Compounds used to build up and level low areas that cannot be brought back
to their original contour by straightening.

Chisel. A long-bladed hand tool with a beveled cutting edge.

Hammer. A tool with a heavy metal head mounted at right angles at the end of a handle,
used for jobs such as breaking things and driving in nails.
Fabricating the Body
After molding the body, the researchers fabricated the body using fiberglass mat,
guided with the procedures in making fiber glass. After fabricating, the researcher
decided to put acrylic plastic glass.
The table below shows the description and costing of materials that are needed in
molding and also fabricating the body.
Description
Flat bar 3/16X3/14
Flat bar 3/16X3/4
Flat bar 1/8X1
Special rod (6011)
Blind rivets
Cutting disc
Body filler (Time out)
Drill bit
Sand paper(240)
G.I. sheet
Fiber mat
Polylite
Cobalt
Styrene
Hardener
Premix chemicals
Thinner
Primer
Top coat
F color red
Mayon brush
Masking tape
Acrylic plastic glass
Total Cost

Quantity
3length
5 Length
1Length
1
435pcs.
5pcs.
8qts.
15pcs.
3m
2pcs.
4kg
1 gal
3spool
3liters
2bottle
29/38gal
2bottle
1qt.
1/2qt.
1qt.
3pcs.
1roll
3X3

Unit Price
300 pesos
500 pesos
105 pesos
160 pesos
217.5 pesos
283.5 pesos
1200 pesos
336 pesos
46 pesos
980 pesos
628 pesos
1013 pesos
150 pesos
684 pesos
105 pesos
633 pesos
210 pesos
160 pesos
195.5 pesos
238 pesos
57 pesos
23 pesos
585 pesos
8809

Table1. Material description and costing