Title: On the aerodynamic effects of the optimised DrivAer fastback model car under adverse situations

Authors: I-Ying Chiang; Tung Wan

Addresses: Tamkang University, Aerospace Engineering Department, No.151, Yingzhuan Rd., Tamsui Dist., New Taipei City, 251301, Taiwan ' Tamkang University, Aerospace Engineering Department, No.151, Yingzhuan Rd., Tamsui Dist., New Taipei City, 251301, Taiwan

Abstract: The benchmark DrivAer model is employed for optimisation work of vortex generator locations with digital side mirrors through numerical simulation. Aiming for the best drag reduction via various installation positions by the Kriging surrogate method, results show that for the best-achieved location, it reveals the positive effect owing to an increase in the intensity of vortices; its wake also becomes weaker. In addition, to cope with fast-changing severe weather, the impacts of physical phenomena such as gusty crosswind, heavy rain, and cornering manoeuvres are simulated and compared as well through detailed analyses of different physical quantities, force coefficients, and Strouhal number. Our simulations show that the gusty crosswind and cornering have the most negative influences on aerodynamic performance, thus proving the effectiveness of the current approach in automobile design and safety. The combination of gusty and rain conditions is also elaborated, and results show a similar trend as previous simulations.

Keywords: DrivAer model; drag reduction; vortex generator; Kriging model; gusty crosswind; heavy rain; cornering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2024.137275

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2024 Vol.94 No.3/4, pp.217 - 251

Received: 03 Oct 2021
Received in revised form: 09 Oct 2022
Accepted: 11 Oct 2022
Published online: 11 Mar 2024 *

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