Shape influence on mean forces applied on a ground vehicle under steady cross-wind

• Published in: Journal of wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics 2010, Vol.98 (8), p.386-391
• Main Authors: Gohlke, M., Beaudoin, J.F., Amielh, M., Anselmet, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerodynamics; Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Car shape; Climatology and bioclimatics for buildings; Cross-wind; Engineering Sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid mechanics; Fluids mechanics; Ground, air and sea transportation, marine construction; Mechanics; Physics; Road transportation and traffic
• ISSN: 0167-6105; 1872-8197
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jweia.2009.12.003

In this paper the flow around a vehicle under constant cross-wind is studied. The influence of shape changes on aerodynamic forces and moments as well as on flow structures is studied experimentally in a wind-tunnel. Tests are run at a flow velocity of 40 m/s on a 1/5th model of a mini-van type vehicle, which is yawed to an angle of − 30 ∘ . It is shown that small variations of the A-pillar radius have an important effect on the side-force and yawing moment. A link is made to the A-pillar vortex and its changes in intensity. The use of wind-tunnels represents a quite high budget in aerodynamic development. It is therefore quite important to limit the use of sophisticated measurement techniques to a strict minimum. In this context, the PIV-plane position proposed in this paper yields useful additional information to analyse the impact of form changes for example on cars under side-wind influence.