3D Analysis of Side Wind Effect on Vehicles

This paper will discuss the results of the flow computation and analysis of a sample car subjected to a side wind gust. The first of all, a three-dimensional geometric model of the problem is created by the used software. Afterwards a number of mesh types would be applied on the created model in order to verify if it is independent from how the geometry is meshed. In the following step the governing equations (continuity, momentum in the x, y, z directions, and turbulence) are to be solved along with the proper problem settings (i.e. the solver used, the turbulence model). Finally, after the independence of the btained results is observed, an ultimate value is tabulated for the drag coefficient which includes both drag in the direction of the gust (perpendicular to the car centerline) and also in the longitudinal direction. The velocity and pressure contours are also presented and a comparison of the results and the effective factors are discussed as well.

Keywords:

Aerodynamics , Drag coefficient , Side wind