The Effects of Detailed Tire Geometry on Automobile Aerodynamics - a CFD Correlation Study in Static Conditions

Document Number: 2009-01-0777

Date Published: April 2009

Author(s):
Todd H. Lounsberry - Chrysler LLC
Mark E. Gleason - Chrysler LLC
Satheesh Kandasamy - Exa Corp.
Khaled Sbeih - Exa Corp.
Bradley D. Duncan - Exa Corp.

Abstract:
A correlation study was performed between static wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for a small hatchback vehicle, with the intent of evaluating a variety of different wheel and tire designs for aerodynamic forces. This was the first step of a broader study to develop a tool for assessing wheel and tire designs with real-world (rolling road) conditions. It was discovered that better correlation could be achieved when actual tire scan data was used versus traditional smooth (CAD) tire geometry.

This paper details the process involved in achieving the best correlation of the CFD prediction with experimental results, and describes the steps taken to include the most accurate geometry possible, including photogrammetry scans of an actual tire that was tested, and the level of meshing detail utilized to capture the fluid effects of the tire detail. The effects of this scanned tire geometry were significant, and improved the results for drag, lift, and the cooling drag for the vehicle relative to experimental full-scale testing.

File Size: 3926K
Product Status: In Stock

Included in: V118-6

See other papers presented at SAE World Congress & Exhibition, April 2009, Detroit, MI, USA, Session: Vehicle Aerodynamics (Part 5 of 5): Ground Simulation Wheels and Tires

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