Sensitivity Analysis of Aerodynamic Drag Coefficient to EPA Coastdown Ambient Condition Variation

The test cycle average drag coefficient is examined for the variation of allowable EPA coastdown ambient conditions. Coastdown tests are ideally performed with zero wind and at SAE standard conditions. However, often there is some variability in actual ambient weather conditions during testing, and the range of acceptable conditions is further examined in detail as it pertains to the effect on aerodynamic drag derived from the coastdown data.

In order to “box” the conditions acceptable during a coastdown test, a sensitivity analysis was performed for wind averaged drag (CD¯) as well as test cycle averaged drag coefficients (C_DWC) for the fuel economy test cycles. Test cycle average drag for average wind speeds up to 16 km/h and temperatures ranging from 5C to 35C, along with variation of barometric pressure and relative humidity are calculated. The significant effect of ambient cross winds on coastdown determined drag coefficient is demonstrated.