Naslov
Aerodynamic design of a solar road vehicle

Autori
Majdandžić, Ljubomir ; Buljić, Dalibor ; Buljac, Andrija ; Kozmar, Hrvoje

Izvornik
International journal of automotive technology (1229-9138) 19 (2018), 6; 949-957

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Solar electric vehicle ; Aerodynamic design and forces ; Computational model ; Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations ; k-ω turbulence model.

Sažetak
Solar road vehicles have very specific design requirements. This makes their aerodynamic characteristics quite different from classic sedan vehicles. In the present study, the computational model of a typical solar road vehicle is developed to investigate its aerodynamic forces and flow characteristics. Computations are performed assuming the steady viscous flow and using the Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes equations along with the k-ω turbulence model. The obtained results indicate some important findings that are commonly not present for classic sedan vehicles. In particular, a contribution of the viscous drag force to the overall drag force is considerably larger (41%) than it is the case for the standard passenger road vehicles, where the form drag force dominates over the viscous drag force. Surface pressure distribution patterns indicate a favorable aerodynamic design of this vehicle. In particular, larger pressure coefficients on the top of the vehicle body as compared to the bottom surface contribute to increasing a downforce and thus the vehicle traction. The airfoil-shaped cross-section of the designed cockpit canopy has favorable properties with respect to reduction of the aerodynamic drag force.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Matematika, Fizika, Strojarstvo

POVEZANOST RADA