CFD Analysis of Drag Reduction for a Generic SUV

Abstract

The flow in the near wake of the blunt bodies of road vehicles like SUVs plays an important role in determining the pressure forces acting on the surface of the body. To better understand the wake profiles and stagnation pressure gradient of the vehicle, this paper performed numerical analysis on CAD model of a Generic SUV which was previously tested in the wind tunnel. Commercial software package of ANSYS® GAMBIT, T-grid and FLUENT® was used for multi cell meshing and solving of the governing equations. The pressure coefficient ‘Cp’ plots at the symmetry plane of the model were compared with experimental results from the wind tunnel tests to validate the simulation. Results and conclusions were presented from the simulations of the CAD model using upper and lower flat boat tail plates with gradual increment in the angle of inclination.