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The aerodynamic design and development of an urban concept vehicle through CFD analysis
Author(s)
Cogan, Donavan
Date Issued
2016
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
This work presents the computational
uid dynamics (CFD) analysis of a light road
vehicle. Simulations are conducted using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with
the wall adapting local eddy (WALE) turbulence model. Simulations include and compare
the use of a rolling road, rotating wheels, adaptive re nement as well as showing
comparison with a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solver and the Spalart-
Allmaras (SA) turbulence model. The lift coe cient of the vehicle for the most part
was seen to show a much greater di erence and inconsistencies when compared to drag
from the comparisons of solvers, turbulence models, re nement and the e ect of rolling
road. Determining the drag of a road vehicle can be easily achieved and veri ed using
multiple solvers and methods, however, the lift coe cient and its validation require a
greater understanding of the vehicle
ow eld as well as the solvers, turbulence models
and re nement levels capable of correctly simulating the turbulent regions around a
vehicle. Using the presented method, it was found that the optimisation of vehicle
aerodynamics can easily be done alongside the design evolution from initial low-drag
shapes to the nal detail design, ensuring aerodynamic characteristics are controlled
with aesthetic change.
uid dynamics (CFD) analysis of a light road
vehicle. Simulations are conducted using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with
the wall adapting local eddy (WALE) turbulence model. Simulations include and compare
the use of a rolling road, rotating wheels, adaptive re nement as well as showing
comparison with a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solver and the Spalart-
Allmaras (SA) turbulence model. The lift coe cient of the vehicle for the most part
was seen to show a much greater di erence and inconsistencies when compared to drag
from the comparisons of solvers, turbulence models, re nement and the e ect of rolling
road. Determining the drag of a road vehicle can be easily achieved and veri ed using
multiple solvers and methods, however, the lift coe cient and its validation require a
greater understanding of the vehicle
ow eld as well as the solvers, turbulence models
and re nement levels capable of correctly simulating the turbulent regions around a
vehicle. Using the presented method, it was found that the optimisation of vehicle
aerodynamics can easily be done alongside the design evolution from initial low-drag
shapes to the nal detail design, ensuring aerodynamic characteristics are controlled
with aesthetic change.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Mechanical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.
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207131830-Cogan-DJ-Mtech-Mech-Eng-Eng-2016.pdf
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Thesis
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