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Optimizing the External Shape of Vehicles at the Concept Stage: Integration of Aerodynamics and Ergonomics
Journal Article
2011-37-0014
ISSN: 1946-3936, e-ISSN: 1946-3944
Sector:
Citation:
Ribaldone, E., De Puri, I., Cogotti, F., Pizzoni, R. et al., "Optimizing the External Shape of Vehicles at the Concept Stage: Integration of Aerodynamics and Ergonomics," SAE Int. J. Engines 4(2):2622-2628, 2011, https://doi.org/10.4271/2011-37-0014.
Language:
English
Abstract:
The automotive field is facing increasing pressure towards the
reduction of design times and costs and towards the improvement of
car performance, especially with respect to fuel consumption and
CO₂ emissions. Aerodynamics is one of the fields where this
performance improvement can be achieved, but any improvement in
this area must not affect negatively other performances, like
cooling or ergonomics and space for occupants.
This paper presents current methods in CRF (Centro Ricerche
FIAT) and FGA (Fiat Group Automobiles) for multi-objective
optimization of the external shape of new models, with respect to
aerodynamic and ergonomic performances, and how the conflicting
requirements coming from the different disciplines can be managed
in a systematic way.
An application of these method is presented, showing the work
performed in preparation of the design of a new model: since the
style of the new model was not yet defined, the shape of an older
model of the same segment was optimized, in order to understand how
to reach the new targets in terms of drag coefficient and frontal
area. The most significant ergonomic performances were verified for
all the configurations analyzed for aerodynamics, highlighting
potential conflicts and possible compromises. The methodology is
then ready to show its full potential during the development of the
new model, where aerodynamic and ergonomic optimization can be
performed simultaneously from the beginning of the project.