The Optimization of Roof Trailing Edge Geometry of a Simple Square-Back.

Rob Littlewood; Martin Passmore

doi:10.4271/2010-01-0510

A large contribution to the aerodynamic drag of a vehicle is the loss of pressure in the wake region, especially on square-back configurations. Wake pressure recovery can be achieved by a variety of physical shape changes, but with vehicle shapes becoming ever more aerodynamically efficient research into active technologies for flow manipulation is becoming more prominent. The aim of the current paper is to generate an understanding of how an optimized roof trailing edge, in the form of a chamfer, can reduce wake size, increase base pressures and reduce drag.

A comprehensive study using PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry), balance measurements and static pressure measurements was performed in order to investigate the flow and wake structure behind a simplified car model. Significant reductions in C _d are demonstrated and directly related to the measured base and slant pressures. The PIV data shows both the time averaged structure of the wake and the unsteady shedding associated with the upper separation.

The work is intended to act as a precursor for quantifying the effectiveness of active technologies such as Synthetic Jets which aim to achieve the same goals as this passive optimization, but require an energy input.

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The Optimization of Roof Trailing Edge Geometry of a Simple Square-Back. 2010-01-0510

SAE MOBILUS