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Technical Paper

A Parametric Study on the Ground Effect of a Simplified Car Model

1998-02-23
980031
Aerodynamic drag of a modern car is generated mainly by underbody flows. A better understanding of these flows and of their interactions with the car underbody, may contribute to the future improvement of the car drag characteristics. This paper reports the results of a parametric study carried out in the Pininfarina wind tunnel, on a full scale simplified car model, by using the Ground Effect Simulation System built in 1995. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect on the aerodynamic coefficients produced by important geometric changes which affect the flows under the car, in proximity of the ground, and are often difficult or impossible to be modified when tests are made on real cars. The model chosen for this research program is that defined by the SAE “Open Jet Interference Committee” as a reference model to be used for investigating wind tunnel interference and for comparison between wind tunnels. In particular it has no wheels.
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