Riassunto analitico
This study investigates ventilation drag in sedan cars through numerical simulations, focusing on the challenge of modelling rotating wheels. Three main methods for specifying moving parts in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are explored: tangential velocity specification, moving reference frame, and sliding mesh. The research begins with an analysis of standard methodologies used in Maserati S.p.A for aerodynamic development, correlating with wind tunnel data to assess accuracy.
Expanding on the baseline configuration, the study examines the impact of rim coverage on ventilation drag coefficients and flow dynamics. Varying degrees of rim coverage show notable disparities in coefficients and flow patterns, with increased rim coverage enhancing aerodynamic drag reduction. Furthermore, the influence of tire patterns on drag is analysed, revealing contrasting trends in global drag coefficient and individual tyre ventilation drag.
Refining modelling approaches for rotating wheels, the study explores the sliding mesh method but encounters challenges due to tire deformation. An alternative hybrid methodology is proposed, successfully converging and improving correlation with wind tunnel data for global drag coefficient.
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