Optimization of the Aerodynamic Design of Supermileage Vehicle

Three-dimensional numerical simulations using FLUENT were performed to model the airflow over the Supermileage vehicle. The purpose of the study was to design the shape of the body shell of the vehicle, powered from a self-developed electronic fuel injected 50cc four stroke engine, to achieve low drag. The methodology focuses on an inside-out approach of optimization of body shape through computation of aerodynamic forces on a low mass vehicle. The experimental measurements were carried out to validate the results obtained from the computational model using a 1:5 scale model of the vehicle body shell in a low speed wind tunnel. Numerical solutions of pressure distribution, drag and down force are reported and compared with experimental data. The results shows a considerable reduction in drag and negative lift in the computational model, leading to improved fuel economy in comparison to Supermileage 2005 vehicle's design.