A New Method to Optimize the Wake Flow of a Vehicle: The Leading Edge Rotating Cylinder

Abstract

The wake flow of a vehicle significantly influences its aerodynamic performance and the stability during high-speed drive. Therefore, optimization of the vehicle wake flow is an effective way to improve its aerodynamic performance and further improve the handling stability and fuel economy. In this paper, a new method, the leading edge rotating cylinder, is used to optimize the wake flow of a vehicle. According to the results of simulations, this method can reduce the pressure drag, increase the negative lift force, and strengthen the stability of the vehicle under crosswind. Furthermore, this method optimizes not only the wake flow of the vehicle with rotating cylinders but also the interactive vehicles in the driving route in overtaking maneuvers or platoon driving. In conclusion, this method effectively optimizes the flow fields around the vehicles, and it significantly helps to improve the handling stability and fuel economy of the vehicle.