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CFD and Wind Tunnel Analysis of the Drag on a Human-Powered Vehicle Designed for a Speed Record Attempt

Journal Article
10-03-02-0008
ISSN: 2380-2162, e-ISSN: 2380-2170
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4271/10-03-02-0008
Published June 07, 2019 by SAE International in United States
CFD and Wind Tunnel Analysis of the Drag on a Human-Powered Vehicle Designed for a Speed Record Attempt
Sector:
Citation: Bennett, C., Lawson, N., Klinge, F., Lefieux, J. et al., "CFD and Wind Tunnel Analysis of the Drag on a Human-Powered Vehicle Designed for a Speed Record Attempt," SAE Int. J. Veh. Dyn., Stab., and NVH 3(2):113-129, 2019, https://doi.org/10.4271/10-03-02-0008.
Language: English

Abstract:

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel investigation of a human powered vehicle (HPV), designed by the Velo Racing Team at Ostfalia University, is undertaken to analyse the Eco-body’s drag efficiency. Aimed at competing in a high profile HPV speed record competition, the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency is shown to compare well with successful recent eco-body designs. Despite several limitations, newly obtained wind tunnel data shows that the corresponding CFD simulations offer an effective tool for analysing and refining the HPV design. It is shown that, in particular, the design of the rear wheel fairings, as well as the ride height of the vehicle, may be optimised further. In addition, refinements to the CFD and wind tunnel methodologies are recommended to help correlation.

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