DESIGN AND
AERODYNAMIC ANALYSIS
OF A CAR USING CFD
PROJECT (16MEL81)
PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by
ABRAR GUL (17BME001)
PARVATHAN.M. (17BME039)
RAMANATHAN.M. (17BME087)
RISHI.R. (17BME115)
in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree
of
Bachelor of Engineering
in
Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology
Pollachi - 642003
An Autonomous Institution
Affiliated to Anna University, Chennai - 600 025
March 2021
Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology
Pollachi - 642003
An Autonomous Institution
Affiliated to Anna University, Chennai - 600 025
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified that this project report, “DESIGN AND AERODYNAMIC
ANALYSIS OF A CARUSING CFD”
is the Bonafede work of
ABRAR GUL (17BME001)
PARVATHAN.M. (17BME039)
RAMANATHAN.M. (17BME087)
RISHI.R. (17BME115)
who carried out the project work under my supervision.
[Link],Ph.D,FIE.
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT
Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and
Technology, NPT-MCET Campus
Pollachi – 642003 India
Submitted for the Autonomous End Semester Examination project.
viva-voce held on 31 MARCH-2021
INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER
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DESIGN AND AERODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF A CAR USING
CFD
ABSTRACT
When objects move through air, forces are generated by the relative motion between the
air and surfaces of the object. Aerodynamics is the study of these forces, generated by the motion
of air, usually aerodynamics is categorized according to the type of flow as subsonic, hypersonic,
supersonic. The spoiler is also a part of the aerodynamics. The function of the spoiler is to spoil
the unfavorable flow of air flowing through the car and generate a proportional downforce. This
work describes the design and the performance of the rear spoiler.
In this study, two different types of simulations were made, one for the flow around a
simplified high speed passenger car with a developed rear-spoiler and vortex generators and the
other for the flow without the rear-spoiler and vortex generators. The standard simulation model
is selected to numerically simulate the external flow field of the simplified Car model with and
without the rear-spoiler. Through an analysis of the simulation results, a new rear spoiler is
designed, and it shows a mild reduction of the vehicle aerodynamics lift. This leads to less
vehicle fuel consumption on the road.
The analysis is done using the Ansys CFD simulation software after combining the car with
designed rear spoiler and vortex generator using the Creo Parametric Design software.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We extend our gratitude to our management for having provided us with all facilities to
build our project successfully and we convey our gratefulness to our admin team for approving our
project as R&D project.
We express our sincere thanks to our honorable Secretary [Link], M.E.,
Ph.D., for providing us with required amenities.
We express our thanks to our Principal [Link], [Link]., Ph.D., who
provided suitable environment to work with involvement and better knowledge.
We feel happy to express our gratefulness to our guide and Head of the Department,
Mechanical Engineering, [Link],Ph.D.,FIE for providing us kind advice during the
development of the project and for his constant support and guidance offered to our project by being
one among us.
We are committed to place our heartfelt thanks to all teaching and nonteaching staff
members, lab technicians and all the noble hearts that gave us immense encouragement towards the
completion of our project. Finally, we thank almighty for bestowing the gifts of life on us and for
providing us the necessary help through his lovely creations in this Endeavour of us.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our parents and friends for the constant support
throughout this project.
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics
NACA: National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics
AR: Aspect Ratio
FEM: Finite Element Method
VG: Vortex Generator
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
[Link]………………………………………………………………...……...1
1.1 Aerodynamic Drag …………………………………………………………………….1
1.2 Aerodynamic Lift ……………………………………………………………………...2
[Link] REVIEW………………………………………………………...……...3
2.1 Research gap.………………….……………………………………………………….4
[Link].……………………………………………………………………...5
3.1. Objectives………………………………………………………………………..….....5
3.2. Project flow…….. ………………………………………………………………...…..5
3.3. Vehicle reference………..……………………………………………………..……...5
[Link] considerations for the model……………………..……………..….....6
4. SPOILER DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT………………………………….….......7
[Link] foil profile design.………….………………………………………………...…..7
4.1.1. Aspect ratio……...…………………………………………………………….….....7
4.1.2. Height of the aero foil…………………………………………………………....….7
4.1.3. Foil design …...………………………………………………………………….......7
4.1.4. Foil geometry calculation based on literature study…………………….…………..8
4.1.5. Angle of attack……….………………………………………………………….......8
4.2. MATERIAL AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS………………………....…......9
4.2.1. Material selection…………………………………………………………….…..….9
4.2.2. Manufacturing process………….…………………………………………….…......9
4.2.3. Material properties…………………………………………………………….….....9
5. CAD MODELLING AND CFD ANALYSIS………………..………………….…...10
5.1. Finite Element Analysis of the Profile…………………………………….…...….….10
5.2. Design and drafting of spoiler and vortex generator assembly…………...………......11
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5.3. Vehicle aerodynamic performance of the modified car……………….…...……......13
5.3.1. Preprocessing…….……………………………………………………………...….13
5.3.2. Computational domain……………………………………………………………...13
5.3.3. Mesh generation…………………………………………………………………….13
5.3.4. Boundary condition………… ……………………………………………………...14
6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS …………………………………...………….……...15
6.1. Pressure and velocity contour of the unmodified car……………………...……......15
6.2. Analyzed goals without spoiler…………………………………….………….…....16
6.3. Pressure and path lines of the modified car…………………….……………...…...16
6.4. Analyzed goals of the modified car ……………….…………………..…………....17
7. CONCLUSION…………………………………………………….....…….......…...19
7.1 Future scope………………………………………………………………………....19
REFERENCES……………………………………………...………………………...........20
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Reference car model…………………………………………………………..5
Figure 2 Designing airfoil in Design foil software …………………………………….7
Figure 3 Foil geometry selection reference graphs………………………………….... 8
Figure 4 Imported airfoil profile……………………………………………………….10
Figure 5 Modelled spoiler foil section……………………………………………...… 10
Figure 6 Meshed model of the spoiler section……………………………………….…10
Figure 7 Pressure distribution.…………………………………………………...…… 11
Figure 8 Velocity distribution………………………………………………………… 11
Figure 9 vortex generator design………...….…………………………....….…….…. 11
Figure 10 Drafting of the spoiler assembly………………………….……………….…12
Figure 11 Meshed car model of the unmodified car in Ansys mesh tool….…….…..….13
Figure 12 Meshed car model of the modified car……………...………………….….…14
Figure 13 Pressure contour unmodified car…………….…………………………….…15
Figure 14 path lines of the unmodified car……...……………………….………...........15
Figure 15 Lift force results from simulation unmodified car……………….…….....….16
Figure 16 Drag force results from simulation unmodified car ………….………….…..16
Figure 17 Pressure contour modified car…………………….……………………….....17
Figure 18 path lines of the modified car…..………………………………………….....17
Figure 19 Lift force calculation of the modified car...…………………………….…....18
Figure 20 Drag force calculation of the modified car...……………………………...…18
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Lift and Drag forces based on angle of attack of the foil………….….…..9
Table 2 Boundary conditions applied for the CFD analysis………………………14
Table 3 Analyzed goals without spoiler from simulation……..…………………..16
Table 4 Analyzed goals without spoiler from simulation…...………………...…..18
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[Link]
Aerodynamics is the study of effect of air flow around an object. The effect is
studied considering one of the two cases namely stationary air and moving object or moving
air and stationary object. Generally, the parameters under considerations are coefficient of
drag and coefficient of lift by which drag force and lift force can be calculated respectively.
in land borne vehicles the aim is to reduce the drag force and lift force which will improve
the fuel efficiency of the vehicles. In our work we consider one such land borne vehicle that
is a passenger car. Since the drastic rise in petrol and diesel price requires a efficient fuel
economy for the vehicles our project aims to develop a new rear spoiler design for car which
will have a reduced lift and drag.
After years of development in road vehicle aerodynamics, the ideal teardrop body
shape, smooth underbody, less sharp corner, and other methods have been applied in
designing today’s vehicle bodies. Take the vehicle spoiler as an example. The spoiler is used
as a tool to minimize unfavorable air movement around the vehicle and can be divided into
the front spoilers and the rear spoilers. A front spoiler, connected with the bumper, is mainly
used to direct air flow away from the tires to the underbody. A rear spoiler is commonly
installed upon the trunk lid of a passenger vehicle. The added spoiler can diffuse the airflow
passing a vehicle, which minimizes the turbulence at the rear of the vehicle, adds more
downward pressure to the back end and reduces lift acted on the rear trunk. The rear spoiler
is no longer just a decoration and they do have measurable effect on aerodynamic drag
reduction and vehicle stability. This paper focuses on optimizing the selected rear spoiler
parameters of a selected vehicle model to reduce aerodynamic drag and lift. Sedan cars are
the most common driven vehicles in modern cities; therefore, a simplified sedan model was
used for the present simulation and experimental study investigation and an attempt was
made to re-design a new rear spoiler.
1.1 Aerodynamic drag (Cd)
The power on a protest that restricts its movement through a liquid is known as drag.
At the point when the liquid is a gas like air, it is known as streamlined drag (or air
protection). At the point when the liquid is a fluid like water it is known as hydrodynamic
drag. Liquids are portrayed by their capacity to stream. In semi technical dialect, a liquid is
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any material that cannot avoid a shear drive for any considerable time allotment. This makes
them difficult to hold yet simple to pour, mix, blend, and spread. Accordingly, liquids have
no clear shape however go up against the state of their compartment. Liquids are uncommon
in that they yield their space moderately simple to other material things at any rate when
contrasted with solids. Liquids may not be strong, but rather they are material. The
fundamental property of being material is to have both mass and volume. Material things
oppose changes in their speed and no two material things may involve a similar space in the
meantime. The segment of the drag compel that is because of the dormancy of the liquid is
the protection from change that the liquid needs to be pushed aside so something different
can involve its space is known as the weight drag.
𝐷 = ½ 𝜌𝑣2𝐶𝑑 (1)
Where Cd = coefficient drag [dimensionless], A = frontal area [𝑚² ], ρ = density of air
[𝑘𝑔/𝑚³] v = velocity of vehicle [𝑚/𝑠].
1.2 Aerodynamic Lift
The streamlined drag force is acted on a level plane to the vehicle and there is another
segment, coordinated vertically, called streamlined lift. It decreases the frictional powers
between the tires and the street, along these lines changing significantly the taking care of
qualities of the vehicle. This will influence the handling and stability of the vehicle. The
pressure differential from the top to the bottom of vehicle causes a lift drive. These powers
are significant concerns in streamlined advancement of a vehicle on account of their impact
on driving solidness. The power, L is evaluated by the condition.
𝐿 = ½ 𝜌 𝑣²𝐶𝑙 𝐴 (2)
Where L= lift force, Cl = coefficient of lift ,A = frontal area [𝑚² ], = density of air [𝑘𝑔/𝑚³]
v = velocity of vehicle [𝑚/𝑠].
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
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Xu-xia Hu, Eric T.T. Wong (2011)[1], The simulation of external aerodynamics is one of
the most challenging and important automotive CFD applications. With the rapid
developments of digital computers, CFD is used as a practical tool in modern fluid dynamics
research. It integrates fluid mechanics disciplines, mathematics, and computer science. In
this study, two different types of simulations were made, one for the flow around a simplified
high speed passenger car with a rear-spoiler and the other for the flow without a rear-spoiler.
The standard k-ε model is selected to numerically simulate the external flow field of the
simplified Camry model with or without a rear-spoiler. Through an analysis of the simulation
results, a new rear spoiler is designed, and it shows a mild reduction of the vehicle
aerodynamics drag. This leads to less vehicle fuel consumption on the road.
Ryan Ilardo, Christopher B. Williams (2009) [2], This work describes the design and the
performance of the rear spoiler. Also, it gives the principle and working of the spoiler and
the selection criteria for the spoilers and material selection for the spoilers. The spoiler is
also a part of the aerodynamics. The function of the spoiler is to spoil the unfavorable flow
of air flowing through the car and generate a proportional downforce. This work describes
the design and the performance of the rear spoiler.
Rajyaguru pranav(2017)[3], An analytical study on air flow which effects and resulting
dynamics on the car is presented. The research deal with Computational Fluid Dynamic
analysis and simulation to maximize down force and minimize drag during high speed of the
car. Using ANSYS FLUNT software and mentoring provided by ANSYS, the results
employs efficient discretization techniques and real loading conditions to study down force
on rear wing of the car with drag generated by all active mounted surfaces.
G. Naveen Kumar, G. Bharath Reddy and K. ChandraShekar(2015)[4], Aerodynamics
is the study of the interaction between stationary objects and moving air. The main purpose
of aero foil is to generate lift force or down force depending upon the application. National
Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) is a standard board concerned with aero foils
for all aerospace applications such as aircraft body, aircraft wing and also for automobile
components such as car body design, spoiler etc. These components need to be made of
materials having less density, high fatigue strength, corrosion degradation. The composites
with sandwich construction are suitable for the above requirements. The present work deals
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with implementation of composite material for automobile rear spoiler. To design aero foil
component, it requires several coordinates and it’s a challenging task.
Dr. S. S. Rao,(2018)[5] , This paper describes about the CFD analysis on the car body how
different shapes and design of the body of car changes the aerodynamic characteristics. The
fundamental concerns of automotive aerodynamics are to reduce drag and preventing
undesired lift forces at high speeds.
Dr M.V. Sathish Kumar,B. Ashwin Rao, Dr G. Mallaiah(2014)[6], Aerodynamic
characteristics of a Honda civic car 2009 are of significant interest in reducing car-racing
accidents due to wind loading and in reducing the fuel consumption. Even though these
vehicles typically have a more rigid chassis and a stiffer suspension to aid in high-speed
maneuverability, a spoiler can still be beneficial. In this thesis will focus on CFD-based lift
and drag prediction on the car body after the spoiler is mounted at the rear edge of the vehicle,
a car rear spoiler is designed and modeled in 3D modeled software CREO by different models
of spoilers (NACA 4412& NACA 6409) and analysis done by ANSYS software at different
speeds (70, 90 & 110km/hr.). In this thesis the CFD analysis to determine the lift force, drag
force, mass flow rate, and pressure drop. 3D modeled in parametric software CREO and
analysis done in ANSYS.
2.1 Research gap
The literature study has given the complete understanding of the designing and analysis
methods available for the aerodynamical performances of the car spoiler. From the literature
it is understood that there are many factors that must be considered for designing a car spoiler.
The model requirements and calculations has been derived from the literatures. Through the
advancements there are many ways available for the aerodynamical analysis the literature
has elucidated the simulation methods that can be adapted to give efficient results that is
desired from the study.
3. METHODOLOGY
3.1. Objectives
• To analyse the aero dynamical performances for the swift dzire car without spoiler and VG
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• To design and develop a spoiler model and vortex generator for swift dzire.
• To analyse and compare the aero dynamical factors for the former design and the newly
developed design using analysis software.
3.2 Project flow
3.3. Vehicle reference
Figure 1 shows the reference vehicle chosen for the design and analysis of the
spoiler which must be mounted on a car body. This vehicle was chosen because it is one
of the most common sedan models used in Tamil Nadu. The car model shown here is
Suzuki swift Dzire.
Figure 1 Reference car model
3.4. Aerodynamical considerations for the model
i) Size and shape of vehicle: - A thick body’s body vehicle causes more drag than their
streamlined body. ii) Vehicle Surface: - Rough surface causes more drag than a smooth
polished one.
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iii) Vehicle Speed: - Aerodynamic drag increase as the square of speed. In general, it is
observed that 60% of the power required in cruise at highway speed is used to overcome
(minimizing) drag translate in to improved fuel efficiency.
iv) Frontal area: - Drag force is directly proportional to the frontal area more frontal area
cause more drag.
v) Inclined Windshield: - Drag also depends upon the position of wind shield. Inclined
wind shield gives good, streamlined shape hence reducing the drag force.
vi) Drag and lift characteristics of the vehicle and the down forces exerted by the motion
of the vehicle vii) Weight of the vehicle.
Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software greatly reduces time-
tomarket by reducing the need for costly physical testing and prototyping. Hence in the
present study ANSYS Fluent was used to build a virtual prototype and the performance of
proposed and existing designs was simulated.
From the above considerations the model generated was the simplified version of the
car model. In this case, the model is simplified by removing wheels and rear-view mirrors
and the bottom portion of the car was assumed to be a flat surface.
4. SPOILER DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
4.1. Aero foil profile design
4.1.1 Aspect Ratio
The amount of downforce produced by a wing is determined by its size. The length
to width ratio is called the aspect ratio, the larger the wing the greater the downforce. As
the higher the Aspect ratio more efficient the wing will be. The aspect ratio (AR) of a
wing is defined to be the square of the span (s)divided by the wing area (A). Aspect ratio
is a measure of how long and slender a wing is from tip to tip. For a rectangular wing, this
reduces to the ratio of the span to the chord length (c):
𝐴𝑅 = 𝑠 ²/ 𝐴 = 𝑠²/ (𝑠 𝑥 𝑐) = 𝑠 / 𝑐 (3)
Based on the car dimension and NACA standards S= 1300mm, c = 234mm
AR= 1300/234= 5.5
4.1.2 The height of the airfoil:
The height also affects the performance of the spoiler. The gap between the trunk
lid and the wing can make air to pass easily. And based on the research papers the optimum
height used for passenger car is 130mm. So, the height is taken as 130 mm.
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4.1.3 Foil design
Airfoil profile creation using Design foil software based on the geometric
requirements derived from the assumptions and calculations based on the results gathered
on swift dzire aerodynamic performances and the airfoil selection criteria airfoil for the
spoiler was selected using the design foil software which is shown in figure 2.
Figure 2 Designing airfoil in Design foil software
4.1.4 Foil geometry calculations based on literature study[7]
Figure 3 shows the graphs from which the camber, maximum thickness and
position of maximum thickness can be fixed or selected for the desired airfoil profile
which must be designed based on our requirements. Hence the following values of
camber, maximum thickness and position of maximum thickness has been taken and
fixed for the design of the foil profile.
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Figure 3 Foil geometry selection reference graphs
Fixed values
Camber – 5
Maximum thickness – 9
Position of maximum thickness – 40% of chord length
4.1.5. Angle of attack
The efficiency of the wing is the downforce to drag ratio. The amount of
downforce generated depends upon the angle or tilt of the wing. The greater the angle of
attack the more the downforce will be created.
In the present work the Design FOIL workshop is used to export the coordinates
for geometric molding and to calculate the lift and drag coefficients. Based on the lift
and drag coefficients the lift and drag forces are calculated based on formulae (1) and
(2).
And From the below table maximum lift force occurs at an angle of –15° and is equal to
2679.55 N/m acting down wards, so the design load is 2679.55 N/m. Table
1 gives the calculated lift and drag force for the different angle of attacks which gives
different lift and drag coefficients.
Table 1 Lift and Drag forces based on angle of attack of the foil.
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4.2. Material and manufacturing processes
4.2.1 Material selection
Based on the analysis of the literature review ABS plastic was fixed as the material
for the spoiler ABS plastic - Most original equipment manufacturers create spoilers produced
by casting ABS plastic with various admixtures, which bring in plasticity to this inexpensive
but fragile material. Frailness is a main disadvantage of plastic, which increases with product
age and is caused by the evaporation of volatile phenols.
4.2.2 Manufacturing process
ABS Fabrication: It can be thermo-formed, pressure formed, blow molded, sheared,
sawed, drilled, or even "cold stamped" Joints can be ultrasonic welded, thermo-welded, and
chemically bonded.
4.2.3 Material properties
Excellent resistance (no attack) to Glycerin, Inorganic Salts, Alkalis, Many Acids, Most
Alcohols and Hydrocarbons
Tensile Strength: 4,300 psi Hardness: R110
Maximum Temperature: 80°C Minimum Temperature: -40°C
5. CAD MODELLING AND CFD ANALYSIS FOR
AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCES
The airfoil profile was imported to Creo and developed with required aspect ratio
and using height value the supports for the spoilers were designed and assembled. Software
used was Creo 5.0 and the profile for foil is imported from the Design foil software as per
our requirement.
Figure 4 shows the imported foil profile in Creo from the design foil software and Figure
5 shows the developed foil profile in Creo.
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Figure 4 Imported airfoil profile Figure 5 Modelled spoiler foil section
5.1 Finite element analysis of the profile
Finite Element Method (FEM) is also called as Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Finite
Element Method is a basic analysis technique for resolving and substituting complicated
problems by simpler ones, obtaining approximate solutions Finite element method being a
flexible tool is used in various industries to solve several practical engineering problems. In
finite element method it is feasible to generate the relative results. And in this study Ansys
software was used to analyze the pressure and velocity distribution around the foil section.
Figure 6 Meshed model of the spoiler section
Figure 6,7 and 8 shows the pressure and velocity distribution of the foil analyzed was
reasonable when compared with the standard models hence developed foil section is safe
in terms of pressure and velocity distribution.
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Figure 7. Pressure distribution Figure 8. Velocity distribution
5.2 Design and drafting of spoiler and vortex generator assembly.
The assembly was developed in the Creo 5.0 by considering the vehicle’s
aerodynamic considerations. Figure 9 shows the assembled model of the spoiler with the
support using the Creo assembly tool. The support dimensions are taken from the standard
models of the spoilers currently in use.
Figure 9 vortex generator design
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And drafting of the developed spoiler assembly is done using the drawing tool in the Creo
software. Figure 10 shows the drafting of the spoiler assembly with all the dimensions in
mm.
Figure 10 Drafting of the spoiler assembly
The Creo 19.0 software was used to create the model and drawing of the spoiler by
keeping the reference dimensions derived from the calculations and literature study. In some
places many assumptions were made since the data for the design are not available, but they are
very minimal and can be neglected since it would not affect the functions of the spoiler
developed.
5.3 Vehicle aerodynamic performances analysis using ANSYS CFD tool
5.3.1 Pre-processing
Preprocessing, in which the computational mesh is created and prepared for simulation and
Input files, which contain relevant information for the simulation, are created.
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5.3.2 Computational Domain
The computational domain is designed to lead to a free flow with neglect able blockages,
which essentially means a box that consists of an inlet, an outlet, two sides, a roof and a ground
surface.
5.3.3 Mesh Generation
The surface mesh for the finished, integrated model is obtained using the built-in meshing
Features of Ansys 19.0. The unstructured mesh is generated automatically, based on the
geometries of the supplied model and several user-defined parameters. Of these parameters,
which can be set separately for each surface – body, inflow/outflow region or control surface –
in the model, the most prominent are the definitions of maximum and minimum element edge
length.
Figure 11 shows the meshed model of the car in Hyper Mesh with enclosure.
Figure 11 Meshed car model without spoiler and vortex generator in Hyper Mesh
Figure 12 shows the meshed model of the car body with the spoiler using the Ansys
mesh modular tool in Ansys CFD analysis tool.
The meshing maximum and minimum element sizes were given based on standard
simulation conditions. The enclosure for the simulation is designed with required dimensions
in the geometry section of the ANSYS CFD tool.
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Figure 12 Meshed car model with the spoiler
The meshing is done in the Ansys Mesh modular tool in which the enclosure is created
around the car body and the maximum element size was given as 0.2m.
5.3.4 Boundary Condition
In this section a short description of boundary conditions is presented in order to give
an overview of the driving condition during the simulation enclosure inlet plane was named
“velocity-inlet”. The road and the vehicle body were both made walls. The surrounding
enclosure surfaces, being imaginary surfaces, were all named symmetry planes having a ‟no
slip‟ condition. The outlet was named a “pressure outlet” with its pressure set constant and
equal to atmospheric pressure.
Table 2 represents the boundary conditions applied to the CFD analysis simulation.
Table 2 Boundary conditions applied for the CFD analysis.
S no Parameters Values / type
1 Fluid Air
2 Density 1.225 kg/m3
3 Pressure 101325 pa
4 Temperature 293.2k
5 Velocity 22m/s
6 Flow type Turbulent
6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Results are last stage but an important one .geometry of our research is too big in volume
so the computation from all numerical value is become too complex and time consuming . so,
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analysis is done based on color contour however it is the second form of numerical values.
Pressure Contour, Velocity Contour, and analyzed goals are presented for car model with
spoiler and without spoiler to show the clear variations.
6.1 Pressure and velocity contour without the spoiler and vortex generator
In automotive analysis due to large number of elements and volume it is difficult to
compare all data using mathematical values. To save time and reduce complexity comparing
color contour is used for analysis. Figure 13 shows the pressure contour of the unmodified car
body.
Figure 13 Pressure contour of unmodified car
Figure 14 shows the path lines of the car body without the spoiler and vortex generator i.e.,
the velocity distribution around the car body. These two figures are taken as the reference for
comparing the same results after adding the spoiler and vortex generators.
Figure 14 path lines of unmodified car
6.2 Analyzed goals of the unmodified car.
The main aim of the project is to design a spoiler that would reduce the aerodynamical
forces acting on the car body when in high-speed motion and through flow analysis the lift and
drag forces were calculated after the simulation using CFD tool.
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Figure 15 and figure 16 represents results of the aerodynamic forces calculated from
the simulation.
Figure 15 Lift force results from simulation of the unmodified car
Figure 16 Drag force results from simulation of the modified car.
Lift and Drag forces were calculated from the above results which is taken as first reference
result to compare with the forces after analyzing the model of the modified car.
Table 3 Analyzed goals without spoiler from simulation
Parameter value
Lift 1495 N
Drag 416 N
Table 3 gives the final aerodynamical lift and drag forces acting on the unmodified car
body when subjected to the boundary conditions of the simulation.
6.3 Pressure and velocity contour modified car model.
After modifying the car body, the same pressure and velocity contour is drawn using
the fluent software. Figure 17 shows the pressure distribution around the modified car body.
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Figure 17 Pressure contour of the modified car
Figure 18 shows the path lines around the modified car.
Figure 18 path lines around the modified car.
The pressure contour and path lines when compared both the modified and unmodified
car shows a significant smoothness of the path lines with the spoiler hence it shows that
the designed spoiler makes the pressure distribution and path lines smoother than the
unmodified car body.
6.4 Analyzed goals with the spoiler.
Figure 19 and figure 20 represents the simulations results based on the boundary
conditions of the modified car body.
Figure 19 Lift force calculation of the modified car
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Figure 20 Drag force calculation with the spoiler
From the above results the analyzed goals were calculated and compared with results
without the spoiler. Table 4 shows the final results from the result table and it is compared
with the previous results which is done of the unmodified car.
Table 4 Analyzed goals with the spoiler from simulation
Parameter value
Lift 1363 N
Drag 392 N
The pressure and velocity contour when compared with and without the spoiler shows a
significant smoothness of the path lines with the spoiler hence it shows that the designed
spoiler makes the pressure and velocity distribution smoother than the car body without
the spoiler.
From the above results it is understood that the lift force of the car body is reduced
from 1495 N to 1363 N when the spoiler and VG is added to it. And also, the drag force is
declined from 416 N to 392 N when the spoiler and VG is added. The pressure contours
and path lines also show some significant improvements with the spoiler.
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7. CONCLUSION
CFD analysis was successfully carried out on the vehicle which helped us to
analyze aerodynamic performance of a car with a detailed analysis of unmodified
reference is done in order to get an overview of the flow behavior and establish a starting
point for improvements. Pressure Contour, path lines and analyzed goals are presented
for designed car model with all modifications and without modifications to show the clear
variations.
It is understood from the analysis both modified and unmodified car that the lift
force is reduced from 1495 N to 1363 N by adding the spoiler and vortex generator that
has been designed and developed. Also, the drag force is reduced from 416 N to 392 N
So, the lift force has been reduced 8% in this case and the drag force is reduced to 6%.
Though this number may appear to be substantially low, this reduction in drag
and lift coefficient are considerable from aerodynamic point of view as it reduces the
power consumption, improve the acceleration and handling behavior. The reduction in
lift and drag can be increased if we add more accessories such as diffuser, air ducts and
tire cover.
7.1 Future scope
There are many accessories and additional features that can be added to improve the
aerodynamical performances of a car such as diffuser, tire cover and front spoiler. Since
in this study the performance and efficiency of the designed rear spoiler is done, in future
the design and analysis of the other above stated additional features can be done using
same process flow and a combined result can be analyzed.
• Diffuser, air ducts and tire cover could be added after modelling with modifications.
• Individual performance analysis can be analyzed and compared.
• Combined assembly could be done, and combined aerodynamical performance
improvement can be calculated.
• Same analysis can be applied to other vehicle models of same type and the results can
be compared and studied.
These above listed accessories can be developed, designed, and analyzed using the
CFD simulation software and the efficiency of the car’s aerodynamical performance
with all the modifications can be produced as result by following the same procedure as
this study.
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[3] Jones, W. P. and Launder, B. E., The Prediction of Laminarization with a Two
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[4] Ridhwan Bin Che Zakem, Aerodynamics of Aftermarket Rear Spoiler, Malaysia
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