Preliminary Investigation of the Influence of a Ground-Plane Boundary Layer on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of Road Vehicle Models Tested Over a Fixed Ground

Results from a series of experimental measurements are presented in order to investigate the influence of the ground-plane boundary layer on the overall characteristics of a scale model road vehicle. The wind tunnel model is a generic bluff body which has a streamlined forebody, simple wheel representation and interchangeable rear end sections.

The aerodynamic forces and moments were measured via an external 3-component balance at a free stream velocity of 24 m/s. corresponding to Reynolds number of 5.5 × 10⁵ based on model length, over a range of ride heights and yaw angles. The ground plane boundary layer thickness was varied artificially. The influence of wheels and underbody roughness were also investigated.