A Rear Spoiler of a New Type that Reduces the Aerodynamic Forces on a Mini-Van

Document Number: 2006-01-1631

Date Published: April 2006

Author(s):
Inchul Kim - Univ. of Michigan-Dearborn
Hualei Chen - Univ. of Michigan-Dearborn
Roger C. Shulze - Univ. of Michigan-Dearborn

Abstract:
The Low Mass Vehicle (LMV) that is a minivan designed to compete with the Toyota Echo but with 30% less mass has been used for the research in the Institute for Advanced Vehicle Systems. To reduce the aerodynamic forces on the LMV, the present authors have developed a rear spoiler of a new type based on the principles of fluid dynamics and through numerical computations. This new spoiler has been developed in such a way that the aerodynamic drag as well as lift on vehicles having a bluff back can be reduced when the new spoiler is attached to them. Numerical simulations show that the aerodynamic drag and lift on the LMV moving at 30 m/s reduce by 5% and more than 100%, respectively, when the new spoiler is attached to it.

File Size: 472K
Product Status: In Stock

See other papers presented at SAE 2006 World Congress & Exhibition, April 2006, Detroit, MI, USA, Session: Body Design and Engineering (Part 2 of 2)

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