Aerodynamic design optimization of an automobile car using computational fluid dynamics approach

ABSTRACT

Aerodynamic drag is the force acting on the surface of the automotive car which opposes its motion. To overcome this force, excess fuel has to be burnt in the engine which leads to an increase in the specific fuel consumption and lowers the efficiency of the car. The drag force can be reduced by reshaping the rear end, covering the underside of vehicles and reducing the number of protrusions on the surface of the car. The main cause for drag is a low-pressure (wake) region created at the back portion of the car. This can be reduced by cutting an underneath slot from the front to the rear end. Because of this, air gets flown inside the duct and leaves via rear end to decrease the wake region formed. Therefore, drag can be reduced significantly which leads to fuel efficiency improvement. The flow regions are identified where the large pressure drag is produced and design parameters are identified and suitable geometric modifications are implemented in the car design. A comprehensive flow analysis is carried out by using ANSYS Fluent and results are interpreted.

KEYWORDS:

• Drag
• ANSYS fluent
• computational fluid dynamics
• turbulence
• aerodynamics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ravi Kumar B

Prof. Ravi Kumar B, is a trained Aerospace engineer with specialization in composite Materials and Aerospace Propulsion. He is presently working as Assistant Professor in Aerospace Department Under School of mechanical engineering, SASTRA University, Thanjavur (India). His Research Area includes Aerodynamics, Thermal Engineering, Nanomaterials, Advanced Composite Materials, Nonlocal Theory, Optimization, Smart Materials.

Nitesh Varshan M

Nitesh Varshan M, is an Under graduate student of B.Tech Mechanical engineering in SASTRA University, Thanjavur. He is presently working on the design optimization of Automobile and Aerospace vehicles.

Kannan T

Kannan T, is an Under graduate student of B.Tech Mechanical engineering in SASTRA University, Thanjavur. His area of interest includes Low speed Aeodynamics, Thermal Engineering and Materials.