Aerodynamic Drag and Noise Minimization of Rear End Parameters in a Simplified Car Model Utilizing Robust Parameter Design Method

Improvements of aerodynamics and wind noise are two important objectives for automotive engineers. Improvement of aerodynamics behavior and the reduction of wind noise have been always greatly concerned by automotive engineers since they negatively affect passengers comfort, fuel consumption, car performance and, stability.

In this paper, optimum levels of four dominant rear shape parameters for a simplified car model are investigated considering drag coefficient and aerodynamic noise objectives. C-Pillar angle, trunk angle, boat tail angle and rear box length are considered as variable parameters. Taguchi method is used for finding aerodynamic and acoustic optimum levels. Numerical simulation for base case is compared with experimental results in the literature. Numerical results show good agreement with experimental test. Afterwards, optimum levels for parameters regarding objectives are calculated using Taguchi method. Optimization results have good agreement with simulation results.