Introduction to Automotive

Aerodynamics

MEE 364 Automotive

Aerodynamics
Lecture – 1
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 re-
locating 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