CFD and Wind Tunnel Analysis of the Drag on a Human-Powered Vehicle Designed for a Speed Record Attempt

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel investigation of a human powered vehicle (HPV), designed by the Velo Racing Team at Ostfalia University, is undertaken to analyse the Eco-body’s drag efficiency. Aimed at competing in a high profile HPV speed record competition, the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency is shown to compare well with successful recent eco-body designs. Despite several limitations, newly obtained wind tunnel data shows that the corresponding CFD simulations offer an effective tool for analysing and refining the HPV design. It is shown that, in particular, the design of the rear wheel fairings, as well as the ride height of the vehicle, may be optimised further. In addition, refinements to the CFD and wind tunnel methodologies are recommended to help correlation.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.4271/10-03-02-0008
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/23802170
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission of SAE International.
• Authors:
  • Bennett, Christopher
  • Lawson, Nicholas
  • Klinge, Falk
  • Lefieux, Julien
  • Moloney, Cathal
• Publication Date: 2019-6-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 113-129
• Serial:
  • SAE International Journal of Vehicle Dynamics, Stability, and NVH
  • Volume: 3
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: SAE International
  • ISSN: 2380-2170
  • Serial URL: https://www.sae.org/publications/collections/content/E-JOURNAL-10/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Drag; Fluid dynamics; Human powered vehicles; Speed; Wind tunnels
• Subject Areas: Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01712860
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: SAE International
• Report/Paper Numbers: 10-03-02-0008
• Files: TRIS, SAE
• Created Date: Jul 29 2019 11:03AM