The Application of a 3-D Aerodynamics Model to the Sterling 825 Body Shape and Comparison with Experimental Data

This paper describes the application of a general purpose fluid dynamics computer model, PHOENICS-84, to the flow over the Sterling 825. Using surface information obtained from the Design Studio database, a topologically rectangular grid was constructed covering the whole solution domain. Limitations on computer-run costs led to a grid size of 84000 cells, resulting in some simplification of the body detail. A ‘3-part’ solution calculation was used, involving an iterative loop of potential, boundary layer and viscous analyses. Results obtained from PHOENICS are compared with those from an actual vehicle. PHOENICS is shown to accurately model the experimental flow over the front half of the car, but the region of separated flow above the rear screen and boot is badly simulated. Poor lift correlation is obtained, however the drag prediction is close to the experimental value.