Experimental and numerical analysis of the aerodynamics of the A&M Shell Eco-marathon vehicle prototype

Abstract

The search for better performance is an actual challenge in the automotive industry. This is the reason why Shell proposes students from the entire globe to participate in its eco-marathon, a competition in which the maximum efficiency is searched. This thesis presents a numerical and experimental study of the A&M UrbanConcept vehicle: Electra. Wind tunnel conditions are simulated using RANS and URANS simulations in ANSYS FLUENT and compared to wind tunnel experimental data, allowing to validate numerical results. Once the numerical set-up is validated, a more in-depth study of Electra's aerodynamic properties is performed. In this study, track conditions are simulated and compared to wind tunnel conditions. This comparison allows to see the ground effect phenomenon and how it affects the aerodynamic properties of the car. Bearing in mind all simplifications made on the numerical model, aerodynamic corrections are applied to the obtained results. Then, a thorough discussion on surface imperfections and protuberances is made, being possible to estimate the drag value of the real car. Using this study, it is possible to modify the car geometry in order to improve its performance, achieving a drag decrease of 38% with respect to the original geometry. Finally, the aerodynamic effect that the introduction of a new platform chassis type could have on Electra's aerodynamics is tested and optimized.