Vehicle aerodynamic simulation analysis and research on bumpy road

Abstract

Purpose In order to certify the testing of vehicle Cd on the real road can be replaced by the much simplified steady-state simulation process inside wind tunnel. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted innovative methods to verify the feasibility of using aerodynamic wind tunnel test for vehicle development purpose, including establishing the typical sinusoidal mapping function for road shapes during vehicle driving process to simplify the complexity of the road and choosing three different kinds of road spectrum amplitudes to establish the vehicle motion model, which can accurately predict the vehicle motion characteristics in the road driving process. The new approach simulates the vehicle aerodynamics on the road by taking into account the pitch angle changes during vehicle motion. Findings By comparing the transient drag coefficient on road with the steady-state simulated value in the conventional aerodynamic wind tunnel. This paper provides empirical insights about the flow field analysis around the vehicle on road that can verify the feasibility of using aerodynamic wind tunnel test for vehicle development purpose. Research limitations/implications Because of establishing the typical sinusoidal mapping function for road shapes, the study results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further. Practical implications This paper includes implications for the flow field analysis around the vehicle on road that can verify the feasibility of using aerodynamic wind tunnel test for vehicle development purpose. Originality/value This paper fulfills an identified need to use aerodynamic wind tunnel test for vehicle development purpose.