Steady and Unsteady Computational Aerodynamics Simulations of the Corvette ZR-1

Two integral CFD methods for the simulation of steady-state and transient vehicle aerodynamics, respectively, are described in this paper. Both codes couple potential flow and boundary layer schemes with simple, thin-shear-layer wake models which ensure relatively fast computational times. Calculations of the steady-state yaw effects for the Corvette ZR-1 compare favorably with experimental pressure data located on the hood. Furthermore, the code's rapid computational speed makes multiple design simulations even on today's low-end workstations quite practical. Finally, time-stepping calculations of an unsteady pitching motion of the Corvette ZR-1 demonstrates one example of the current capability of the unsteady computational method.