Computational Analysis of a Simplified Car with Vortex Generator on Sides using RANS Model

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C. Dineshkumar
N. Kamesh
C.K. Arvinda Pandian
A. Manivannan
Y. Ibrahim
A. Vivek Anand

Abstract

In the Aerodynamic drag analysis, the predominant factor is pressure drag which reduces the vehicle speed and fuel efficiency. By delaying the flow separation at trailing edge in roof of the car body and creating turbulence in the vacuum region available at rear (of car body), the pressure difference between front and rear can be minimized, thus reducing the pressure drag. This study deals with the computational analysis of a simplified car model using Ansys FLUENT software at a Reynolds number of 3.281e5 based on the body length. To solve the Navier-stokes equations k - ε turbulence model is used. A base car model and a car model with vortex generator (VG) placed at three different locations on either side of rear slant are developed using NX modelling software. By using ICEM meshing software, developed car models are meshed. For all model’s coefficient of drag is analyzed using Ansys-FLUENT at different velocities such as 20m/s, 25m/s, 30m/s and 35m/s. From the computational analysis, a considerable reduction in the coefficient of drag is achieved in all three models. In particular, the model which had vortex generator placed at middle of rear slant of either side provides improved drag reduction comparing with other two models. While calculating the drag force using coefficient of drag, it is observed that for all velocities around 11% reduction in drag force are achieved in car model with vortex generator on comparing with the base car model.

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