Bi-stability of the Wake Flow of a Hatchback Car under Zero Yaw Angle Condition

The aerodynamic performance of automobile especially drag and lift was largely determined by the wake flow, which is three-dimensional, unsteady, and turbulent. The styling of the rear back of the vehicle body has much influence on the wake flow structure, typically including squareback, notchback, and hatchback. Bi-stability of the wake flow of vehicle body makes the aerodynamic force oscillating, which affects the energy consumption and driving stability. This article investigates the bi-stability of wake flow of a hatchback SUV in full-scale automotive wind tunnel. Both aerodynamic force and surface pressure on the rear back of the vehicle were measured. Time series of aerodynamic force and pressure footprint are used to confirm the existence of bi-stability. The effects of some sensitive factors on the bi-stability have been analyzed. The results show that for the given condition with bi-stability phenomenon existing, the change of drag and lift can be 6.36% and 111%, respectively. The bi-stability of wake of the tested hatchback SUV is related to the change of flow structure in the wake of the vehicle, which can be explained by the drag crisis of hatchback vehicle under critical slant angle.