Evaluation of the Aerodynamics of Drag Reduction Technologies for Light-duty Vehicles: a Comprehensive Wind Tunnel Study 2016-01-1613
In a campaign to quantify the aerodynamic drag changes associated with drag reduction technologies recently introduced for light-duty vehicles, a 3-year, 24-vehicle study was commissioned by Transport Canada. The intent was to evaluate the level of drag reduction associated with each technology as a function of vehicle size class.
Drag reduction technologies were evaluated through direct measurements of their aerodynamic performance on full-scale vehicles in the National Research Council Canada (NRC) 9 m Wind Tunnel, which is equipped with a the Ground Effect Simulation System (GESS) composed of a moving belt, wheel rollers and a boundary layer suction system.
A total of 24 vehicles equipped with drag reduction technologies were evaluated over three wind tunnel entries, beginning in early 2014 to summer 2015. Testing included 12 sedans, 8 sport utility vehicles, 2 minivans and 2 pick-up trucks.
Two categories of drag reduction technologies were evaluated: i) those currently offered by the original equipment manufacturers (i.e. active grille shutters, partial underbody covers, bumper and wheel air dams); and, ii) emerging technologies that have market introduction potential, i.e., active ride height control, actively deployable bumper air dams and full under-body covers.
The main findings of the experiments are presented in this paper by categories of vehicles and drag reduction technologies. A discussion on the use of wind averaged drag to evaluate the full impact of the technologies on fuel consumption is also presented.
Citation: Larose, G., Belluz, L., Whittal, I., Belzile, M. et al., "Evaluation of the Aerodynamics of Drag Reduction Technologies for Light-duty Vehicles: a Comprehensive Wind Tunnel Study," SAE Int. J. Passeng. Cars - Mech. Syst. 9(2):772-784, 2016, https://doi.org/10.4271/2016-01-1613. Download Citation
Author(s):
Guy Larose, Leanna Belluz, Ian Whittal, Marc Belzile, Ryan Klomp, Andreas Schmitt
Affiliated:
National Research Council Canada, Transport Canada, Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG
Pages: 13
Event:
SAE 2016 World Congress and Exhibition
ISSN:
1946-3995
e-ISSN:
1946-4002
Also in:
SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems-V125-6EJ, SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems-V125-6
Related Topics:
Drag
Light trucks
Fuel consumption
Wind tunnel tests
Aerodynamics
SAE MOBILUS
Subscribers can view annotate, and download all of SAE's content.
Learn More »
