Technical Paper
Ground Effect Simulation for Full-Scale Cars in the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel
1995-02-01
950996
The paper refers to a research program which is presently in progress at Pininfarina. It deals with a new ground effect simulation system for full-scale car testing in an automotive wind tunnel. This research program is carried out in the framework of the “Progetto Finalizzato Trasporti 2” of the Italian C.N.R. The first part of the paper makes an analysis of: The various ground effect simulation systems already existing in the world. The results which can be achieved using these systems. Their main limitations and drawbacks and some considerations about the possibility of using these systems for routine aerodynamic development work on full-scale vehicles. The second part of the paper describes the new Ground Effect Simulation System (GESS) which is presently in operation in the wind tunnel of the Pininfarina Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Research Center. Its layout is quite different from the ground effect simulation systems existing in other full-scale automotive wind tunnels.