Iterative Aero-Structural Analysis of a Passenger Vehicle Wheel Liner under Aero Loading

Abstract

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Aerodynamic performance plays a crucial role in the design and functionality of modern passenger vehicles, particularly concerning wheel liners that are exposed to complex airflow patterns. In this study, an iterative approach is presented to analyze the aero-structural behavior of a wheel liner for a passenger vehicle, aiming to achieve a realistic and accurate representation of the system's response to aerodynamic loads. The proposed method involves a cyclic process of aerodynamic analysis, pressure mapping and structural simulation. Initially, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is deployed to calculate aero pressure loads acting on the wheel liner. These pressure loads are then mapped into the corresponding structural model and structural analysis is performed to determine the displacement response. If the initial displacement exceeds a predefined target value, the deformed model is considered for further analysis. The iteration process is repeated until the variation in displacement between the baseline model and the current iterative model remains within an acceptable range. Upon achieving convergence, the displacement results from the final iteration are used to characterize the performance of the wheel liner under the applied aerodynamic loading. The max displacement between the most recent and preceding iteration must be saturated to finish the iterative operation and conclusions are drawn based on the displacement results from the last converged iteration. Furthermore, the results from the iterative process show a strong correlation with wind tunnel test data, validating the accuracy and reliability of the methodology. The study's primary intention is to ascertain whether the wheel liners maintain sufficient tire clearance at high speeds, ensuring safe and optimal vehicle operation. The findings contribute to the advancement of passenger vehicle design, facilitating enhanced performance and safety in real-world driving conditions.</div></div>