International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 12 | Dec 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Aerodynamic Analysis of Flow Over a 2D Sports Car using Computational Fluid Dynamics Prof. Sathish H1, Anish Rajendra Gaikwad2, Darshan T V3, Gokul R4, Mohammed Rayan Habeeb5 1Assistant Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, MIT Mysore, Karnataka, India
2-5Undergraduate students, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, MIT Mysore, Karnataka, India
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Abstract - This study explores the aerodynamic performance of a 2D sports car model using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). A wind tunnel simulation with a 12 m × 45 m test section modeled airflow around the car at 20 m/s. The investigation included geometry definition, structured meshing, and numerical analysis in ANSYS Fluent to assess static pressure and velocity contours, drag forces, and areas for design optimization. Results indicated high-pressure zones at the front stagnation point and low-pressure regions over the roof, consistent with streamlined airflow. Velocity contours revealed accelerated flow over the roof and wake regions at the rear, highlighting flow separation and potential areas for improvement. The drag coefficient converged at 0.012, while the drag force stabilized at 70 N, showcasing the car’s aerodynamic efficiency. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of CFD in optimizing vehicle design by reducing drag and improving performance. These findings provide valuable insights into fuel efficiency, speed, and stability enhancements for high-performance sports cars, laying a foundation for future innovations in automotive aerodynamics.
Key outcomes of the research demonstrate the effectiveness of CFD in identifying and mitigating aerodynamic inefficiencies. By visualizing flow patterns and quantifying aerodynamic forces, this work provides actionable insights for enhancing the design of high-performance vehicles. The findings contribute to the broader goal of reducing aerodynamic resistance, thereby advancing the fields of energy efficiency and automotive engineering.
2. COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has emerged as a transformative tool in modern engineering and science, enabling the simulation and analysis of complex fluid flow phenomena with remarkable precision. By solving the governing equations of fluid motion—such as the continuity, momentum, and energy equations—CFD provides a computational framework to model the behavior of fluids in diverse scenarios, from aerospace and automotive applications to biomedical and environmental engineering. The core strength of CFD lies in its ability to address challenges that are either impractical or cost-prohibitive to explore experimentally. Using numerical methods and computational algorithms, it transforms physical domains into discrete grids or meshes, where fluid properties such as pressure, velocity, and temperature are computed. This process offers insights into intricate flow patterns, turbulence characteristics, and heat transfer mechanisms, guiding the optimization of designs and processes.
Key Words: External flows, CFD, drag force, drag coefficient, 2D-Sportscar, Aerodynamics, Computational Fluid Dynamics.
1.INTRODUCTION In the modern automotive industry, achieving superior aerodynamic performance is paramount for optimizing vehicle efficiency, speed, and sustainability. This paper delves into the computational study of airflow around a twodimensional (2D) sports car model, employing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques. CFD serves as a pivotal tool, enabling the analysis and simulation of fluid flow phenomena that are often challenging to replicate through physical experiments.
Despite its advantages, CFD is not without challenges. Accurate simulations demand high-quality mesh generation, careful selection of turbulence models, and the implementation of precise boundary conditions. Furthermore, the computational cost associated with highfidelity simulations remains a significant consideration, particularly for problems involving large-scale or highly dynamic flows.
The study's primary focus is on analyzing aerodynamic characteristics, including drag coefficient, drag force, and flow patterns around the car model. Utilizing tools such as ANSYS Fluent, a comprehensive simulation was conducted in a virtual wind tunnel environment. This setup included a streamlined car geometry, well-defined boundary conditions, and turbulence modeling to ensure accurate predictions of real-world behavior.
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This paper explores the application of CFD in analyzing aerodynamic properties of a two-dimensional sports car model, emphasizing its role in predicting drag forces, visualizing flow behavior, and optimizing vehicle performance. The study highlights the versatility of CFD in bridging the gap between theoretical fluid mechanics and
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