Integration of aerodynamic simulation and design in conceptual automotive development
Year: 2012
Editor: Assoc. Prof. Poul Kyvsgaard Hansen, Professor John Rasmussen, Assoc. Prof. Kaj A. Jřrgensen, Assoc. Prof. Christian Tollestrup
Author: Hirz, Mario; Prenner, Martin; Stadler, Severin
Series: NordDESIGN
Institution: 1: Aalborg University, Denmark; 2: Design Society, United Kingdom
ISBN: 978-87-91831-51-5
Abstract
Conceptual automotive development processes are characterized by a wide range of different working fields and influencing factors, which leads to the participation of diverse departments and disciplines. An optimized interaction of the involved parties based on efficient collaborative development processes, using computer aided tools, methods and strategies states an important factor for a successful development. The present publication focuses on the optimization of aerodynamic investigations in conceptual vehicle development. The main characteristics of aerodynamics are determined during initial development phases, because the early vehicle styling process defines the general shape of the car’s outline. An early optimization of the vehicle main shape by use of computational simulation methods enables the effective consideration of aerodynamic requirements during the exterior styling development phase. This procedure enables a reduction of modification effort in subsequent engineering processes.
Keywords: computational fluid dynamics, computer-aided design, aerodynamic development, automotive concept phase