Introduction to Vehicle Aerodynamics

MEE 519 Vehicle Aerodynamics Lecture 1 Dr. Y. Mukkamala

Design Aspects of Vehicle Aerodynamics

Design Components in Vehicle Aerodynamics Structural Design

Aesthetics Streamlined : Low Drag Rigidity and Durability Shape and Detail Optimization

Performance
Top Speed Fuel Consumption Maneuverability Vehicle Elasticity Emissions

Stability
Cross Wind Sensitivity Cornering Behavior Steering Corrections (Frequency and Magnitude)

Comfort
Noise (Aerodynamic Noise) Cooling; Heating; Ventilation Absence of Buffeting (Convertibles)

Cooling
Engine Cooling Brakes Cooling Transmission Cooling Condenser

Visibility
Dirt and water accumulation Dirt removal systems (Wipers; Water Jets; Mud guards)

Flow Visualization

Flow Visualization

Streamlines
Spacing between streamlines indicates local velocity. Closer streamlines indicate high velocity; and hence low pressure. Streamlines closely spaced on top, and sparse at the bottom lead to a positive lift. Flow orientation relative to vehicle direction is angle of attack. High angle of attack leads to high drag.

High vehicle speeds (>100 kmph) lead to uncontrollable lift and pitching moments, and hence high drag. Flow Spoilers and negative wings can reduce lift albeit at increased drag. Cross wind sensitivity : Directional stability of a vehicle in side winds (function of normalized yaw moment coefficient). Side wind sensitivity reduced by relocating the C.G of the vehicle towards its front.

Cooling

Engine Cooling
Adequate air flow for engine cooling. Increasing engine power higher air flow rates. Lowered front ends (higher stability) Reduced air flow area. Compact vehicle designs : Reduced space for radiators. Safety aspects : Hard edge at front end; wide bumpers hindered air flow.

Shape Optimization Low Drag

Development of Vehicle Aerodynamics

Development of Vehicle Aerodynamics Borrowed ideas from ship design, and aircraft designs. Vehicle aerodynamics differs from aircraft design in terms of unsuitability of lift force. Working fluid for vehicles is air, while that for ships is water. Boundary layer separations, and multiple low pressure wakes exist for vehicles. B.L is mostly attached for aircrafts.

Flow Field Around a Vehicle

Related Fields : Aerodynamics

Evolution of the Vehicle

Concepts borrowed from ship, and aircraft aerodynamics failed. Initial vehicles were very slow, and not streamlined. Lack of accurate data for drag, lift and other force and performance indicators hampered aerodynamic design.

Borrowed Shapes

Camille Jenatzy : First Record vehicle; 1899.

Electrically driven. Broke the barrier of 100 kmph (62 mph); Later reached top speed of 105.9 kmph. Torpedo shaped streamlined body. Exposed driver and outer wheels disturbed good flow properties

Alfa Romeo of Count Ricotti

Body like an air-ship; built in 1913. L/d = 3.0; much fuller than the Jenatzy vehicle. Enclosed driver and wheels; better air flow features. Integrated wheel model developed by Bergmann in 1912.

Boat Tail Model of Audi Alpensieger