Drag measurement of an Indian auto-rickshaw model

Abstract

Abstract Indian vehicle auto-rickshaw is considered as the most common and economical mode of transportation for day to day activities. It plays an important role in the automobile sector both in urban and rural areas. The present study is about external aerodynamics of the vehicle considered which was tested in a subsonic wind tunnel. The forces acting on the vehicle especially the drag component was measured for various operating conditions. The drag forces were measured by load balance that consists of a load cell which is calibrated against known loads. The results obtained with the model helps in the understanding of physics of the flow behind it. The results also suggest that the vehicle is moderately bluff to the flow and needs aerodynamics optimization.