The Effect of Turbulence on Peak and Average Pressures on a Car Door

The influence of turbulence on automotive aerodynamics requires further investigation. This paper provides evidence that turbulence directly affects average and peak forces on the front door of a sedan automobile. Wind tunnel and several on-road test conditions were investigated. The results include instantaneous peak and average force coefficients, together with experimental pressure contour plots for a sedan front door.

The pressure distribution over the front door of an automobile is important for efficient structural and door seal design. Door pressure distributions vary with flow turbulence characteristics. The results presented in this paper show that turbulent properties of the flow are of importance when investigating flow over the front door of a sedan automobile.