GENERAL SIR JOHN KOTELAWALA DEFENCE UNIVERSITY

DESIGNING A SPOILER FOR AN AUTOMOBILE

BY

RS GUNARATNE

FS RILWAN

WMM WIJEBANDARA

SUPERVISED BY

MR. SLMD RANGAJEEWA

THIS PROJECT PROPOSAL IS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING.

DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

AUGUST 2022
DECLARATION OF AUTHORSHIP

We, RS Gunarathne, FS Rilwan and WMM Wijebandara, declare that this titled, Designing a Spoiler
for an Automobile and the proposal presented in it are our own. We confirm that:

▪ This work was done wholly while in candidature for a degree at this university.

▪ Where we have consulted the published work of others, that has been always clearly attributed.

▪ Where we have quoted from the work of others, the source is always given. With the exception
of such quotations, this proposal is entirely our own work.

▪ We have acknowledged all main sources of help.

D/ENG/20/0007/AE RS GUNARATHNE …………………………

D/ENG/20/0037/AE FS RILWAN …………………………

D/ENG/20/0087/AE WMM WIJEBANDARA …………………………

Date: ……………………………….

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DECLARATION BY SUPERVISOR

I certify that the above statement made by the authors is true and that this proposal is suitable for
submission to the university for the purpose of evaluation.

……………………………….

MR. SLMD RANGAJEEWA

Research Supervisor

Senior Lecturer (Grade I)

Department of Aeronautical Engineering

Faculty of Engineering

General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University

Sri Lanka

Date: ……………………………….

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION OF AUTHORSHIP 2

DECLARATION BY SUPERVISOR 3

LIST OF FIGURES 5

LIST OF TABLES 6

INTRODUCTION 7
Background Of The Study 7
Why Do Automobiles Need Spoilers? 8
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Spoilers In An Automobile? 8
What Are The Types Of Automobiles Using Spoilers? 9
What Are Some Widely Available Spoiler Types? 9
What Is The Selected Automobile? 11
What Are The Selected Spoiler Types? 12
Problem Statement 12
Aim 12
Objectives 13
Research Questions 13
Research Gap 13

LITERATURE REVIEW 14
Definition Of Key Terms 14
Theoretical Frameworks And Models 14
Review On Spoiler Effects On Different Types Of Automobiles 15
Design Considerations On The Tesla Model S 2021 17
Critical Evaluation Of Literature 18
Overall Shape Development Of The Tesla Model S 2021 18
Aerodynamic Design Features Of The Model S 20

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 23
Research Design 23
Scope Of The Study 23
Timeplan 24
Expected Outcome 24

CONCLUSIONS 25

REFERENCES 26

4
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1. Drag Regions On The Rear Of The Automobile 10

Figure 1-2. Tesla Model S 2021 12

5
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3-1. Timeplan 24

6
 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background Of The Study

Aerodynamics has been one of the vast regions in the field of aeronautical engineering which has
many applications that are not restricted to the field of Aviation. Aerodynamics is the study of the
properties of air that moves and interacts between any objects. This could either be an object in motion
or a stable object. However, this field of study is used in many areas of applications such as
aeronautical engineering, hydromechanics, aerospace engineering, civil engineering and mechanical
engineering as well. (Lucas, 2014)

The reason for the significance of the field of aerodynamics is that it analyzes and evaluates the drag
forces and the amount of aerodynamic forces (ex: lift, thrust) the object in question should produce.
However, aerodynamics plays a major role designing an airfoil and improving its performance. But
that is not all. Even in automobiles, aerodynamics is widely used, because similar to an aircraft, even
on automobiles there will be drag forces created which could be a drastic measure if not managed
wisely.

The biggest question to answer is how automobiles use aerodynamics to reduce drag. This could be
achieved by either some modifications of the automobile during the designing stages or even using
some additional modifications while in use. One such additional component that is used to improve
the aerodynamics on an automobile is a spoiler. (Antony, 2021)

In this research project, our main concern is to analyze the design of a spoiler for an automobile, and
from our selections of spoilers, we look forward to selecting the best spoiler for the selected
automobile.

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 1.1.1. Why Do Automobiles Need Spoilers?

Spoilers are a design component that is used to redirect the flow of air around, above or below an
automobile. This component is known to reduce the drag forces that are created and this will also
create necessary downforce which will allow the automobile to have higher levels of grip when it
accelerates for higher speeds. By definition, spoilers are used to spoil and damage the airflow so that
it will reduce any negative effects it has on the automobile. (Popely, 2020)

Spoilers were mainly used in race cars, sports cars and performance automobiles as early as in the
1960s. However, the reason for this modification was to aerodynamically manage the air flow that
goes around the automobile. This has also proved to have higher mileage rating and this also has less
fuel economy at higher speeds. (Onyango, 2022)

When a vehicle travels at a higher speed, the aerodynamic drag that occurs due to airflow around the
vehicle reaches a higher level. This will reduce the engine performance as it has to maintain its speed.
So, when a higher amount of air goes under the vehicle, it creates lift which will cause an upward
force on the automobile, making it have less grip and lose its stability. Therefore, effective types of
spoilers are used to reduce this effect on automobiles.

Therefore, the efficient design of the automobile will ensure that it has lower emissions. And as higher
speed automobiles have a higher level of emission, to have a more economical advantage, the
developing higher emission should be reduced. If this was to be done, the created drag on the
automobile should be reduced as well.

1.1.2. What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Spoilers In

An Automobile?

As much as the spoiler reduces drag on an automobile, a major advantage is that it could increase
traction and the braking stability on an automobile. Therefore, even at higher speeds the automobile
would have easier time to brake and can make driving safer. As this will result in reduction in emission,
the fuel efficiency would be increased. (Capistrano Volkswagen, 2015) Then, there will be less energy
8
and fuel that is required to move the automobile forwards. The reason to reduce fuel efficiency is that,
with the effects of the fuel crisis the world is facing at the moment and the degrading of the air quality
had made engineers have to find a solution to make the automobile more fuel efficient, and the spoilers
were the best solution to the raised issue. A few disadvantages include that as the spoiler increases the
downforce created on the automobile, when the automobile drives on a road with less friction (ex: at
rainy weather conditions), there could be less friction, which might cause damage to the automobile if
it were to lose friction between the wheels and the road.

1.1.3. What Are The Types Of Automobiles Using Spoilers?

Even though some automobile owners use a spoiler to let their automobile have a more sophisticated
impression, many use it to reduce the drag created. Many types of automobiles use spoilers, and in all
of them, the selection would be different from one to the other. For example, the Nissan Skyline R34
uses a stock spoiler even though it already has an inbuilt rear wing. Also Toyota Supra uses a rounded
rear spoiler, the Mazda RX7 FD uses a rear wing, the Porsche 911 GTS R3 uses a wing spoiler, Ferrari
F40 uses a rear spoiler, the Lamborghini Countach uses a rear spoiler, etc. (Peano, 2020)

1.1.4. What Are Some Widely Available Spoiler Types?

From the many spoilers that are widely available roof spoiler, lip spoiler, wing spoilers and diffusers
are quite common. (Michael, n. d.)

Roof spoilers, or rather window spoilers are effective mostly in station wagons, hatchbacks and sports
cars where the rear part of the automobile loses height soon and this has the higher potential to damage
the trunk edges. Therefore, by using roof spoilers, an addition of downward force would be created
which will enhance the stability of the automobile. This is also used in notchbacks where their trunk
edges are equipped with larger wings. The roof spoiler will then generate a turbulent flow which
replaces the smooth laminar region and this will have a low pressure region.

9
Lip spoilers are used to have a more optimized design configuration, considering the aerodynamic
forces and the stability. There are two lip spoiler types, which are front lip and rear lip spoilers. The
rear lip spoilers are used in combination with side skirt spoilers. (Jalopytalk, 2022)

Wing spoilers are mostly used on race cars and even though this is similar in style to an aircraft spoiler,
the functions are quite different. This spoiler looks like an upside down aircraft wing and hence, this
will create more downforce (negative lift). Therefore, the automobile will have higher traction and
this will not make the automobile lift off when it travels at higher speeds. This spoiler also allows the
automobile to have fast corners and improved stability at higher speeds. But a disadvantage here is
that, by using a wing, the drag will be increased. So, even though here the required amount of negative
lift is gained, similarly to that, even drag is gained. Therefore, this spoiler is considered to be a tradeoff
between the lift and drag forces. Practical applications of the wing spoiler include the Jesko Absolut
model. (Nath et al., 2021, 1-6)

Figure 1-1. Drag Regions On The Rear Of The Automobile

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Diffuser is another type of spoiler and this creates more downward force, in turn reducing the drag.
That is done by, the spoiler expands the airflow from below the automobile towards the rear. Then this
has a potential to produce more pressure. As the flow is expanded, it accelerates from underneath the
automobile and hence, there will be less pressure on the body of the automobile. This spoiler is
designed based on Bernoulli’s principle which states that a fluid which moves at comparatively slower
speeds will impose greater pressure than a fluid which moves faster. Also, this spoiler will eject excess
air from underneath the car. By doing this, air will reach the normal velocity from the higher velocity.
Therefore this spoiler changes the underbody of the automobile to be stronger and robust due to the
downforce and this reduces the drag that is created on the automobile. Diffuser type of spoilers are
found in Formula 1 automobiles. (Nath et al., 2021, 1-6)

1.1.5. What Is The Selected Automobile?

For the research topic of ‘Design of a Spoiler for an Automobile’, the selection of the automobile, by
the choices of the group members, the selected automobile is the Tesla Model S 2021 automobile.
Specifications of the model include 396 mileage, 0 - 60 mph in 1.99s and a top speed of 200 mph. This
model is a one of a kind automobile with many unique features in only which the aerodynamic
conditions are of interest to the project. This model is an electric automobile and it consists of an
electric powertrain and with battery technologies, which will allow for more ranges and higher
efficiencies. Considering the aerodynamic properties, this model has a coefficient of drag of just 0.208
and that is the lowest drag coefficient on any automobile. This feature allows the model to have a
higher speed, endurance and range. The chassis of the automobile is also aerodynamically improved
and this has higher responsive performance as well as quicker corners ability. Aerodynamic conditions
are considered in almost all of the components on the automobile, and that is the reason for the
selection of this specific model for the automobile. (Tesla, 2022) Even though the drag is already at
a lower coefficient value, by our objectives, we plan to further reduce the drag on the model, depending
on the selected spoiler types. (Dhiman, 2021)

This model is designed from a clean sheet of paper and its designing and building had the main purpose
of evaluating and experimenting the reductions of the energy and its efficiency in this model. As this

11
is an electric vehicle, the aerodynamic optimization plays a vital role in its overall performance. This
model has more innovative and novel architectures and the floor is entirely flat. (Tesla, 2022)

Figure 1-2. Tesla Model S 2021

1.1.6. What Are The Selected Spoiler Types?

For the above selection of the automobile, three spoilers are selected to design, analyze and simulate
the effects of drag on the model. The selected spoiler types are, factory style spoilers, lip spoilers and
rear window spoilers. These spoilers are made with carbon fiber and it enhances the performance of
the model depending on the selection.

1.2. Problem Statement

● Evaluating the effect of spoilers on the drag in an automobile.

1.3. Aim

● To select the effective spoiler from the selected three spoilers for the automobile, which will
reduce its drag in a considerable level

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 1.4. Objectives

● To simulate the effects of the three spoilers on the selected automobile

● To compare the drag coefficients for the automobile at different spoilers

● To analyze the speed variation of the automobile for different types of spoilers

● To select the most effective spoiler from the selected types of spoilers to the selected
automobile

1.5. Research Questions

● From comparing the Cd for the automobile at the selected spoilers, what changes can be
observed?

● How does the automobile's speed vary with the changes in the types of spoilers?

● What is the most effective spoiler from the selected three to the automobile?

1.6. Research Gap

As mentioned in the background study, the drag effects on the selected automobile is tested by only
considering the design configurations and making the model more aerodynamically stable. But, as the
effects of installing the spoilers at different positions are not much considered, from this research
project, we look forward to selecting a type of spoiler which will further reduce the effects of drag on
the Tesla Model S 2021 automobile.

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 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Definition Of Key Terms

D - drag force

L - lift force

Cd - coefficient of drag

Cl - coefficient of lift

V - velocity

F - frontal area

2.2. Theoretical Frameworks And Models

Many researches have been performed to analyze the drag forces created on the automobile, and it was
found that there are two parameters which significantly affects to have lower drag on an automobile.
They are either by shaping the automobile to have a more aerodynamic shape and to install various
add on devices on the automobile. The drag force in question is depending mainly on three parameters,
which are, the velocity, frontal area and the coefficient of drag of the body. Similar to drag, the lift too
has above parameters which depend on the force and that includes the velocity, frontal area and the
coefficient of lift. The equations that express drag force and lift forces are as follows.

1
D = ρ V2 F Cd ________ 2.2.1
2

1
L = 2 ρ V2 F Cl _________ 2.2.2

Even though the lift force is mainly considered in aircrafts, even in automobiles, there will be a lift
force that is created to a certain extent. If this force is increased, the lift of the automobile increases,
which will make the rear portion of the car to raise up, hence fly. This will also lose traction when the

14
automobile drives at very high speeds. Therefore, the lift force should be in a considerable region for
the automobile.

From the above equations, as the drag force is directly proportional to the square of the velocity, the
resistance that occurs due to air increases exponentially when the automobile’s velocity increases. This
will create a more turbulent region over the automobile, and that in turn will cause the separation of
flow due to lower pressure regions. Flow separation is created due to two significant factors. That is,
due to the size of the wake area and the amount of aerodynamic drag created. Wake is the higher area
of lower pressure turbulent region, which occurs when the flow separation occurs at the rear portions
of the object. This will affect the formation of the pressure drag and experiments and tests are
performed to control and prevent separation of flow. By using a spoiler, the lower pressure region
behind the automobile is reduced and this will in turn create less turbulent regions and hence, the drag
will be reduced. (Nath et al., 2021, 1-6)

2.2.1. Review On Spoiler Effects On Different Types Of Automobiles

Many researches was done using the CFD as well as the ANSYS FLUENT softwares. To investigate
the effect the rear spoilers had, when its shape and the setting angles were changed on the aerodynamic
characteristics of the racing car, the ANSYS FLUENT software was used and the selected automobile
was the Porsche 911. Here the airfoil shapes of NACA0012, NACA4412 and S1223 were used. Here
too, it was proved that the spoiler reduced the effects of drag force and improved the speed and the
fuel efficiency. In contrast to the drag force, the lift force controlled the handling and the grip stability
and by using a rear spoiler, the lift and drag was reduced to a certain extent of the automobile at higher
speeds. Therefore, this improved the overall stability. Here, as a conclusion it was observed that the
size and the setting angle of the spoiler to the automobile could be set according to the shape and the
size of the vehicle. (Eftekhari et al., 2020, 3)

Then the effects on rear wing height was investigated and the shape of the airfoil on four different
positions were considered. To do this, the governing equations of Navier Stokes were used using the
k-ε turbulence model and the standard wall function. Here the flow was assumed to be steady and
viscous. To do this, the model of BMW E38 was used and five different position heights were tested.

15
To obtain the experimental data, the road was defined as a moving wall where there were no slip
conditions and that the boundary layers were there only on the body of the vehicle. At the final stages
of the researches, it was obtained that the most effective position for the rear spoiler was from about
39% to the rear boot from the roof. Here, the considered downforce to drag ratio was 0.57.

To test the effects of using two spoilers, the roof spoiler with a fixed angle and the other on the rear
boot was considered. Here the simulation was performed on AutoCAD software and in total there
were three tests performed. They were,

● Test without spoilers

● Test with roof spoilers

● Test with rear boot spoilers

Then the obtained results were that the negative lift was higher in the test with rear boot spoiler and
the drag reduction was at a higher level in the roof spoiler.

Similarly, research was done to analyze the effects of spoilers on the aerodynamic properties of
different other models as well. One of them was to analyze the effect of the rear spoiler on the Sedan
and to analyze the effects the hatchback model would have if the front spoilers were installed above
the windshield. Here, the effects of the rear and front spoilers were considered for both of the models
and the methodology was performed as in the previously discussed models mentioned above. The
obtained data showed that the drag values were increased with the addition of the drag values and the
addition of front spoilers for both models. Similar to the drag value, even the pressure values were
increased as the spoilers were added and the increment in the pressure around the spoiler meant that it
resulted in an increment of downforce. This was favorable and the observations were tallied with the
theoretical values as well. It should be noted that for the hatch model, there was a tendency for
experience of a small amount of excessive lift and this was due to the increment in average pressure
values. (Yakkundi & Mantha, 2018)

Furthermore, researches has been performed to design and analyze how the rear spoilers reduce the
drag coefficient of a sports car. To do this, the ANSYS FLUENT Software was used and the model

16
was designed by using the Solidworks software. The simulations were performed using the CFD
software. The tests were done for both conditions for with and without the spoilers. From the obtained
results, it was concluded that there is a delay in the flow separation of the car with the rear spoiler
installed. This was observed by the velocity contour plot. In the final stages, the final observations
showed that the drag coefficient was reduced upto a 11.4% with the car model for the spoiler installed
condition. As the drag was reduced, the aerodynamic performance of the sports car was also enhanced.
(Lakshmanan & Yadav, 2020)

2.2.2. Design Considerations On The Tesla Model S 2021

The selected automobile for the project, the Tesla Model S 2021 is designed after many stages of tests
and performance analyses. When it was first designed, it was found that the airflow under the body of
the model and closer to the wheels were faster and that was the major challenge that was to be
managed. Also, the ride height of the model had increased the aerodynamic properties, its
performances and the complete operational envelope as well. This was the reason for the model to
have a higher aerodynamic performance than all other models and automobiles. The increased
performance in aerodynamics had resulted in the overall range and the automobile’s efficiency as well.
As much as the aerodynamics was important, it was proved by taking two significant factors into
consideration. They were the advantages of energy efficiency in an electric drivetrain than the typical
internal combustion engine and the other was the regenerative braking. These were the primary
considerations on designing and manifesting the structure of the model. As the aerodynamic properties
were taken into consideration in the very early stages of the initiation and designing of the model, even
the first model that was created, had exceptional aerodynamic performance capabilities. The initial
designing and developing stages were done in the CFD software and this was used to identify and
transmit the original considerations and design components which were benefiting the model. After
the CFD simulations, physical designs were done to test the correlations, validation and testing the
physical parameters and conditions. This included the derivation of the averaged wind drag characters
and the optimized distribution of the automobile’s lift. (Palin et al., 2012)

When the tests were moved from CFD to physical, by only that, the coefficient of drag was reduced
from a considerable range of 0.07. The CFD simulated model was named as the first Model S show
car and the model that was used to perform physical tests was called the Aerobuck model. At the

17
physical simulation stages, to enhance and increase the aerodynamic parameters many steps were
taken, and some of them are listed below.

● The front car profile of the shark nose shape was reduced. To do this, the areas where the
headlights were installed, were pulled in front of the model.

● The rockers were lowered and the design was changed to be squared in cross section.

● The rear portion of the vehicle’s parameter was expanded.

● The deck lid was broadened.

● The diffuser which was under the vehicle was shortened.

The reason for the final modification was to assist more packaging requirements and to support and
keep an expansion ratio which was steeper.

2.3. Critical Evaluation Of Literature

2.3.1. Overall Shape Development Of The Tesla Model S 2021

During the initial stages of designing the model, platforms of Exa PowerFLOW and PowerCLAY
were used. This was to investigate the aerodynamic performances at the initial conceptual stages. It is
to be noted that at the initial design stages, either the cooling system or the powertrain was taken into
consideration, and these were later added to the improved model so as to improve the design fidelity.
But in the initial model stages, the generic suspension components and external rear view mirrors were
added. The suspension component was remodeled later as the design improved. The wheel
configurations that were used were simplified disc wheels and replicas of standard fit designs. And in
both of these, the fitted tires were smooth. To evaluate the aerodynamic performances, the simulations
were performed on moving ground plane test conditions. As for the moving wheels, the rotation was
obtained by the velocity boundary condition of the wheel and its tire assembly. In later stages of the
CFD simulations, the mesh was generated. To the generated mesh, the fluid volumes were selected as
below.

● On intake and exhaust vent in cooling systems the fluid cell size was 1.5mm and this was the
smallest cell size

● Most of the cells around the automobile’s body was about 3mm

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The performed correlation tests were done to match wind tunnel and ground test conditions. Here, the
obtained experimental results were almost the same. This test was mainly carried out to check the
effects of far field forces on the automobile. To optimize the shape, various flow features were
identified around the model. This led the researchers to find various methods to obtain the same
objective. And this also presented many geometrical configurations for the automobile, and later, only
the best configuration was selected to match the aesthetics. (Palin et al., 2012)

Here, the transient flow was more complexed, and it affected the wake of the automobile. And this
was a disadvantage as the obtained results were not much reliable and did not allow to evaluate smaller
deltas at a faster speed between different configurations. The issue was solved and comparisons were
performed that were based on the converged forces on the position of the rear axle lines.

As mentioned above, the Aerobuck model, which was designed to perform physical tests, was
designed by a steel skeleton and its outer skin was milled from foam. Here the wooden floor was
flattened. After the experimental tests were performed, the model was remodeled with three significant
changes.

● The entire front corners were replaced and they were made deeper

○ Referred as base + front

● The entire rocker region and the front corner were replaced

○ Referred as base + front + middle

● The entire rear quarters of the vehicle in addition to rocker and front corner modifications were
replaced

○ Referred as base + front + middle + rear

From these models, the simulated CFD results and the experimental data were almost quite similar on
the coefficients of drag and the only difference was in the rear modified model. In direct contrast to
the rest, here the flow was separated further in front than in the CFD simulation and this was due to
19
the transient region of the wake, which was addition of both laminar and turbulent region
characteristics. This affected the changes of geometry in the front portions. As a solution, to ensure
that the flow did not separate further front, 1.5mm separator strips were used. And this was made with
blue polystyrene foam and was installed on the model’s hind quarters. This had a considerable
reduction in lift, but did not affect the drag at all.

Therefore, finally it was discussed that the difference should start from different aspects of the more
detailed wake structures in the transient regions (but the experimental tests were not done for this
change due to unavailability of resources and time). So, as a result, to further reduce the unsteady
wake, the magnitude of the oscillations and the uncertainty of time dependent aerodynamic forces was
considered. And the sharpening of the rear quarter portion of the model ensured and stabilized the
wake, tightening all the exterior body of the automobile.

Through experimental data which were obtained by the wind tunnel tests, the factors which were too
tactful for lift distributions were considered as the yaw angle, cooling configurations and the height of
the ride. Furthermore, the under floor was flat, but the generated downforce was sensitive to body
posture changes and cross winds to the reliability of the reduction of lift. Even though the model was
too aerodynamically shaped, the problem was that here in this model, the feasible issues were stamped
for aluminum tailgate and decklid. (Palin et al., 2012)

2.3.2. Aerodynamic Design Features Of The Model S

● Forebody

This was one of the most crucial parts of the automobile that needed to be aerodynamically optimized.
And this accessed the entire optimization of the model. To ensure its aerodynamic performances, this
provided a much more enhanced flow condition for onset. And this had five strategies which were
interrelated.

● Minimized region of high relative pressure

● Maximized suction on the front fascia’s outboard corners

● Air flow under the forebody was aligned

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 ● For air which was traveling down, the directions were parallel

● Cooling air from intake and exhaust was managed

To optimize the first strategy, it was done on the front face and supplied provisions for higher pressure
for intake coolings. For the third strategy, the effects from the yaw angles of the front wheels were
reduced. For the fourth strategy, the flow directions were managed along the bodyside and the front
fender, and for the fifth strategy, louvers, which were directionally oriented, were used in wheel house
liners, and variable shutters were used. (Palin et al., 2012)

● Flat floor

This had potential substantial advantages for lift and drag. But in this remodel, some challenges were
met. They were the higher flow velocity at underfloor, undisturbed flow, wheel readily baloned drag
contributions and the stronger difference in communication between the flow systems. To have an
optimized configuration, the flow was carefully arranged and managed to flow around the wheels.
(Palin et al., 2012)

● Greenhouse

In the original and initial model, there was a smooth tapered greenhouse, which had a shallower
windshield angle of 660 and this was a perfect aerodynamic optimization. The curved pillars optimized
for a minimum level of formed vortexes, and the inset of the side glasses was also reduced to a
minimum. Also, the panel offsets and the gaps were reduced as well. For the pressure loss at the side
glasses rear portion, the glazing was minimized because of physical considerations. And there was
pressure loss on top of the rear windshield as well. This was due to the gap in the articulated tailgate,
but later this clearance was reduced to a minimum. (Palin et al., 2012)

● Aftbody

At the initial design stages, there was a highly curved rear end on the model. This was aesthetically
suiting, but this paved the way to a higher dynamic wake, which in turn caused larger variations in

21
base pressure. As the aerodynamic concepts suggested, the rear corners were squared and this in turn
aided in reducing the drag and stabilizing the wake. Also, the diffuser angle was optimized to form a
very minimum level of drag in place of minimum rear lift. Also, it was essential to control the
inclination, deck lid’s shape and the height to successfully exploit aerodynamic parameters. Even
though the first initial design was a fastback shape, this was later remodeled and a surface slope was
added in between the deck lid and the backlight, and this in turn, increased pressure at the junctions.
(Palin et al., 2012)

● Air suspension with ‘highway’ mode

This steered a better controllability in the vehicle’s posture and that included the differences in the
cargo loading and the passenger compartments. Further, this brought the ride height at highway speeds
to a lesser value and that helped in reducing drag and lift. To determine the drop balance between
optimum ride height, the suspension travel and ride quality was reduced and the aerodynamic gains
were also taken into consideration. After all the experiments were performed during the final stages
of the research, taking the wheel styles into consideration, when both the wind tunnel results and track
test were analyzed, the results showed that the drag was reduced for up to 3.8%. (Palin et al., 2012)

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 3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1. Research Design

For the research, the model of the Tesla Model S 2021 is tested for a 2D model due to time constraints.
The model of the automobile and the spoilers would be designed using the Solidworks software and
the simulations would be done on the CFD software in the Ubuntu Linux OS. From the obtained values
for the coefficients of drag, the lift and velocity, the most effective type of spoiler for the Tesla Model
S 2021 out of the three selected will be chosen.

3.2. Scope Of The Study

Due to the time constraints, the research would be performed only for the 2D model of the automobile
and the simulations would be done only among the selected spoiler types for a constant installation
position.

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 3.3. Timeplan

No Task Start Date End date July August September

01 Research Topic Finalization
02 Selection of Automobile
03 Selection of Spoilers
Preparation on Background
04 Study
Preparation on Literature
05 Review
06 Project proposal report
Project proposal
07 presentation
Designing the Automobile
08 in Solidworks
Designing the Spoilers in
09 Solidworks
Performing the simulations
10 in CFD
Analyzing the obtained
11 results
Preparation on the final
12 report
Preparation on the final
13 presentation
WWW WWW WWWW W W W
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4
12/07/2022 -
13/07/2022 01/08/2022
13/07/2022 01/08/2022
01/08/2022 08/08/2022
13/07/2022 18/09/2022
06/08/2022 09/08/2022
06/08/2022 10/08/2022
13/08/2022 01/09/2022
13/08/2022 01/09/2022
02/09/2022 08/09/2022
06/09/2022 08/09/2022
09/09/2022 19/09/2022
09/09/2022 19/09/2022
Table 3-1. Timeplan

3.4. Expected Outcome

The expected outcome of the project is to select the best spoiler out of the three selected spoilers for
the Tesla Model S 2021 automobile. Here, the analysis of the drag coefficients for the automobile at
different spoilers would be considered to obtain the results and as the drag reduction in the previously
designed models for the Tesla is not considered by using a spoiler, this project would be a new
dimension that considers the spoiler to reduce the drag coefficient of the automobile.

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 4. CONCLUSIONS

Spoilers are a major component that is used in many applications. In the automobiles, spoilers are used
to reduce the drag created on the automobile and to reduce fuel efficiency as well. This method is fuel
economical and due to the different types of spoilers used, the effect of the reduction of drag would
differ as well.

In this research project, the main aim is to select the best spoiler out of the selected three for the Tesla
Model S 2021 automobile and that should be able to have lesser drag on the automobile as well. For
the simulation of the project, the CFD Software would be used and the modeling would be done via
the Solidworks software. However, the effects would be considered only for a 2D model.

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5. REFERENCES

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● Capistrano Volkswagen. (2015, May 4). The benefits of Spoilers on Cars. Capistrano
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● Lakshmanan, B., & Yadav, S. K. (2020, March n. d.). Design and Analysis of Rear Spoilers
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