Vehicle Design Aerodynamics
As part of a Thermofluids module, we were tasked to design a vehicle of our own choosing, perform an in-depth CFD analysis into the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance and refine the design through iteration.
The Design
I began by sketching out my shooting brake concept from different angles. From there I imported my sketches into Fusion 360 where I began to sculpt the concept into a 3D model using the form modelling tool and the reference sketches.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
To perform the CFD simulation, I used the embedded solution within SolidWorks, SolidWorks Flow Simulation. The calculated drag coefficient for the car was 0.288 which is very typical for modern automobiles. We can see the air separates at the back of the vehicle due to the steep descent leaving a large wake behind the car which could be minimised to improve efficiency.
There is a large pressure surge at the front of the vehicle. Redesigning the front bumper of the shooting brake to minimise pressure and improve clean air flow will also help reduce the drag coefficient. Additionally there is a clear drop in pressure around the wheels that could be reviewed to reduce drag.
The shooting brake is a car body style I have grown to appreciate more and more over time and its niche style made it a prime choice. The term "shooting brake" comes from turn-of-the-century England, where it referred to a car used to transport a hunting party and its gear.
Fusion 360
Form Modelling
