Exterior Styling of an Intercity Transport Bus for Improved Aerodynamic Performance

In this work, an intercity bus has been redesigned with enhanced exterior styling, reduced aerodynamic drag and increased comfort for the passengers. Extensive product study and market study were carried out and aspirations and frustrations of commuters were recorded. An operating intercity bus was benchmarked and analyzed for styling, aerodynamic performance and comfort. Fluent, a commercial CFD code was used to evaluate the aerodynamic performance. Principles of product design were used to analyse the styling and comfort. The benchmarked high floor bus was redesigned with low - floor for reduced aerodynamic drag. The exterior was redesigned with emphasis on improvised aerodynamic performance and appealing looks. The interior was modified to meet aspirations of the commuters.

The results of the redesigned exterior body showed a reduction of Cd from 0.53 to 0.29 and overall aerodynamic drag reduction by 60% due to combined effect of reduced Cd and frontal area. The redesigned interior was found to be at the satisfaction of commuters.