Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of vehicle aerodynamics and associated acoustics

Vortex generation behind the A-pillar region due to airflow separation leads to aero-acoustics generation. The magnitude and intensity of the vortex and hence aero-acoustics activities are further enhanced when vehicle are exposed to crosswind especially when travelling on a highway. The objective of this project is to develop a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and computational aero-acoustics (CAA) model to best simulate aerodynamic flow and aero-acoustics propagation behind the A-pillar region of simplified vehicle with varying windshield radii under various yaw conditions. The CFD model will then be used to investigate and better understand the aerodynamic and aero-acoustics distribution behaviour surrounding area of the vehicle A-pillar region. The simplified vehicle model used was of 40% scale. Models investigated consist of three models of different circular windshield/A-pillar radii and two models of with sharp A-pillar edges with different windshield slant angle. Models used in this project were subjected to 0°, 5°, 10° and 15° yaw angles. The models were modelled under laboratory conditions, exposed to boundary inlet velocities of 60, 100 and 140 km/h.