Abstract
Aerodynamic drag is a significant factor in the fuel efficiency of automobiles and alternative configurations, such as; sedans, wagons, and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) for example, are all expected to have significantly different aerodynamic characteristics. This study utilizes a Detached-Eddy Simulation to model the wake structure of the three previously mentioned vehicle configurations. The results indicate that an SUV and wagon can have approximately 30% and 15% more drag respectively than that of a comparable sedan and that the increase in drag can be attributed to the separation point from the roof of the vehicle due to the rear windscreen geometry. This has a significant impact on the formation of the C-pillar vortices and consequently the downwash and unsteadiness experienced in the wake of the vehicles.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | FISITA 2014 World Automotive Congress |
Subtitle of host publication | proceedings |
Place of Publication | Maastricht, the Netherlands |
Publisher | FISITA World Automotive Congress |
Number of pages | 8 |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Event | FISITA World Automotive Congress (35th : 2014) - Maastricht, the Netherlands Duration: 2 Jun 2014 → 6 Jun 2014 |
Conference
Conference | FISITA World Automotive Congress (35th : 2014) |
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City | Maastricht, the Netherlands |
Period | 2/06/14 → 6/06/14 |