This thesis investigates an aerodynamic optimization of front lower wishbones on a FormulaStudent car using CFD simulations and windtunnel testing. The aim of the study is to de-termine weather a geometric optimization of wishbones is feasable and could enhance theaerodynamic performance of the vehicle.Siemens Star-CCM+ is utilized for the CFD simulations with focus on iterative design im-provments to optimize the initial generic airfoil shape. The CFD model is based on the modelprovided by KTH Formula Student. The model was also developed further in the initial stagesof the study. Turbulance transition model was investigated as well as the turbulance model toaccurately capture the near wall flow dynamics.In order to validate the results from the CFD model a set of windtunnel tests where doneinvolving a 13 scale model of the vehicle at various yaw angles.Some key findings from the analysis indicate that significant changes in the aerodynamicalcharacteristics can be made by making relatively small changes to the geometry of the vehicle.An increase of 2,1% was achieved which closely correlate to the accuired data which indic-ated a 2,2% increase.The optimization process highlighted the importance of developing CFD optimization tech-niques as they can make large contributions to the aerodynamic characteristics of vehicles.This can be used in order to increase the performance of of vehicles in motorsport or reducedrag in everyday vehicles to reduce the energy consumtion.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:kth-349600 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Wallberg, Felix |
| Publisher | KTH, Skolan för teknikvetenskap (SCI) |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
| Relation | TRITA-SCI-GRU ; 2024:196 |
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