Design of Chassis and Aerodynamic Improvements of a Solar Energy Powered Vehicle

The main objective of this research is the aerodynamic study of a high efficiency chassis of a solar propulsion vehicle. Experimental and numerical methodologies were used. The experimental methodology was based on profile studies in a subsonic wind tunnel using a 1:12 scale model and wind velocities untill 35 m/s. The numeric study used a 1:1scale prototype. A computational tool that simulates CFD ambient was used. The validated mesh, contains 577969 elements and 135212 nodes. Visualization techniques were used to study the current lines and detachment areas, corresponding these with the numeric study. Also the aerodynamic drag contribution of the driver cabin and the drag variation due to floor effect was studied.