The Calculation of the Flow Field Past a Van with the Aid of a Panel Method

An evaluation of a first order ‘panel’ method to predict the pressure distribution on a bluff van type vehicle body is presented. Two cases were considered: a) single vehicle with and without cross-wind, and b) the overtaking process of two identical vehicles, The latter has been treated as quasi-stationary. The theoretical model incorporates simulation of the ground and van wake, whereby the wake geometry is based on experimental information.

Extensive pressure measurements were performed with quarter scale models in a wind tunnel for the above mentioned cases. These data permit a systematic comparison with the results of theory.