Novel Base drag reduction devices
Lead Research Organisation:
Loughborough University
Department Name: Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering
Abstract
This project will explore the potential for novel base drag reduction technologies for cars. Physical (reduced-scale wind tunnel) and numerical (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations will be used to understand the structure of the flow, identify opportunities for flow control, propose new approaches and determine their likely performance. This could include the use of passive jets, exploiting rear wheel wake interaction or manipulating base surface roughness.
Investigating the role of flow unsteadiness in base drag generation is central to this work. Manipulating flow unsteadiness for base drag reduction is poorly understood, as are rear wheel wake interactions. The academic challenge arises from the complexity of vehicle base and wheel wakes; they are intrinsically unsteady, requiring the use of high-resolution time-resolved measurement and simulation techniques.
Investigating the role of flow unsteadiness in base drag generation is central to this work. Manipulating flow unsteadiness for base drag reduction is poorly understood, as are rear wheel wake interactions. The academic challenge arises from the complexity of vehicle base and wheel wakes; they are intrinsically unsteady, requiring the use of high-resolution time-resolved measurement and simulation techniques.
People |
ORCID iD |
Martin A Passmore (Primary Supervisor) | |
Max Varney (Student) |
Publications
Varney M
(2017)
The Effect of Passive Base Ventilation on the Aerodynamic Drag of a Generic SUV Vehicle
in SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems
Varney M
(2018)
Parametric Study of Asymmetric Side Tapering in Constant Cross Wind Conditions
in SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EP/N509279/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/09/2020 | |||
1669211 | Studentship | EP/N509279/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/09/2019 | Max Varney |
Description | Generally when the separated wake region at the back of the car is made to be more symmetric, the drag is reduced. |
Exploitation Route | Investigate in greater depth the relationship between wake geometry and drag. Specifically considering changes to the geometry that do not require changes to the geometry itself. This will generate a better understanding of wake geometries to their associated drag values. |
Sectors | Transport |