This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
The Influence of Rotating Wheels on Vehicle Aerodynamics - Numerical and Experimental Investigations
Technical Paper
2007-01-0107
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
Investigations of the aerodynamic influence of rotating wheels on a simplified vehicle model as well as on a series production car are presented. For this research CFD simulations are used together with wind tunnel measurements like LDV and aerodynamic forces. Several wheel rim geometries are examined in stationary and in rotating condition. A good agreement could be achieved between CFD simulations and wind tunnel measurements.
Based on the CFD analysis the major aerodynamic mechanisms at rotating wheels are characterized. The flow topology around the wheels in a wheel arch is revealed. It is shown, that the reduction of drag and lift caused by the wheel rotation on the isolated wheel and the wheel in the wheel arch are based on different effects of the airflow. Though the forces decrease at the front wheel due to the wheel rotation locally, the major change in drag and lift happens directly on the automotive body itself. This increase of aerodynamic efficiency of the automotive body caused by the wheel rotation is attributed to a changed interaction between the wakes of the rear wheels and the car's rear end. These results emphasize that wheel rotation is essential for aerodynamic shape optimization of production cars.
Recommended Content
Journal Article | Aerodynamic Effects of Different Tire Models on a Sedan Type Passenger Car |
Technical Paper | On the Aerodynamics of the Racing Cars |
Journal Article | Investigation of Wheel Ventilation-Drag using a Modular Wheel Design Concept |
Authors
Citation
Wäschle, A., "The Influence of Rotating Wheels on Vehicle Aerodynamics - Numerical and Experimental Investigations," SAE Technical Paper 2007-01-0107, 2007, https://doi.org/10.4271/2007-01-0107.Also In
References
- Morelli A. “Aerodynamic Actions on an Automobile Wheel” 1st Symposium on Road Vehicle Aerodynamics London 1969
- Fackrell J.E. Harvey J.K. “The Aerodynamics of an Isolated Road Wheel” 2nd AIAA Symp. Aerodynamics of Sports and Competitive Automobiles 16 119 125 1974
- Schiefer U. University of Stuttgart 1993
- Axon L. Garry K. Howell J. “An Evaluation of CFD for Modelling the Flow Around Stationary and Rotating Isolated Wheels” SAE-Paper 980032 1998
- Wickern G. Zwicker K. Pfadenhauer M. “Rotating Wheels - Their Impact on Wind Tunnel Test Techniques and on Vehicle Drag Results” SAE-Paper 970133 1997
- Wiedemann J. “The Influence of Ground Simulation and Wheel Rotation on Aerodynamic Drag Optimization - Potential for Reducing Fuel Consumption” SAE-Paper 960672 1996
- Mercker E. Breuer N. Berneburg H. Emmelmann H.J. “On the Aerodynamic Interference Due to the Rolling Wheels of Passenger Cars” SAE-Paper 910311 1991
- Mercker E. Berneburg H. Essen 1992
- Wäschle A. Expert Verlag Stuttgart 2006
- Mercker E. Wiedemann J. “The Correction of Interference Effects in Open Wind Tunnels” SAE-Paper 960671 1996
- Mercker E. Wickern G. Wiedemann J. “Contemplation of Nozzle Blockage in Open Jet Wind Tunnels in View of Different Q Determination” SAE-Paper 970136 Detroit 1997
- Wäschle A. Cyr S. Kuthada T. Wiedemann J. “Flow Around an Isolated Wheel - Experimental and Numerical Comparison of Two CFD Codes” SAE-Paper 2004-01-0445 2004
- Elofsson P. Bannister M. “Drag Reduction Mechanisms Due to Moving Ground and Wheel Rotation in Passenger Cars” SAE-Paper 2002-01-0531 2002