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To replicate on-road brake test cycle of cooling or heating through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, the vehicle model with brake assembly must be solved in transient mode. However, such simulations require significant computational time owning to the physics involved in computing the variation of temperature with time. A methodology developed using commercial CFD tools to predict the Heat Transfer Coefficient (h), Cooling Coefficient (b) and rotor temperatures is described in this paper. All the three modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation are considered in the current method. Heat transfer coefficients from the CFD simulations are exported to Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools to validate the Brake Rotor Thermal Coning caused by high thermal gradients in brake rotor.

Aerodynamic performance of on-road vehicle can be improved by using portable enablers on rear portion of the vehicle which can be attached or detached by the owner himself. Objective of this study is to explore the possibility of using such portable enablers to substantially reduce the drag of the vehicle. Enablers with specific convex shapes are created on various positions of rear portion of vehicle and simulated with CFD solver FLUENT. Compact sedan vehicle was considered in this study. Preprocessing is performed and specific fluid domains are captured. Generally, aerodynamic enablers are integrated parts of the vehicle. This paper emphasizes on consideration of portable enablers which can be used while cruising for longer distances. Drag improvement of ΔCD = 0.006~0.009 was achieved by introducing the specific enabler based on its position, shape and dimension. This paper also suggests methods of attachment of portable enabler to the vehicle.