07-01-2014

This is a study concerns about the

airflow around the vehicle body.
At a speed of about 70 km/hr,
aerodynamic drag exceeds 50% of total
resistance to motion and above 100
km/hr it is the most important factor.

VEHICLE AERODYNAMICS

BV

By reducing various forces& moments

good stability & safety can be achieved.

IMPORTANCE OF AERODYNAMIC STUDY

To reduce drag force & achieve
maximum speed and acceleration for the
same power output.
If
drag force is reduced, fuel
consumption of the vehicle can be
reduced to the maximum about 35% of
fuel cost could be reduced by proper
streamlining.
Good aerodynamic design gives better
appearance and style.
BV

This study helps

ventilation system.

to

provide

proper

Helps to understand the dirt flow and

exhaust gas flow patterns.
With
proper
aerodynamic
design,
aerodynamic noise could be reduced,
which results in quite running of the
vehicle.
BV

07-01-2014

FORM DRAG

TYPES OF AERODYNAMIC DRAGS

FORM DRAG is directly affected by

basic shape of the vehicle body as
created by body engineer.

Form drag
Lift drag

Body shapes that minimize positive

aerodynamic forces or pressure on the
front of the vehicle and minimize
negative aerodynamic forces or suction
on the rear of the vehicle will exhibit low
form drag.

Surface drag
Interference drag
Internal flow drag

It is about 55% of the total drag.

BV

LIFT DRAG

Lift Drag is the result of any lift force that

is generated by the moving vehicle.
The magnitude of the lift force is primarily
a function of the basic body shape.
The magnitude of the lift and its
distribution to the front and rear wheels is
a function of the ground clearance, the
contours of the body and underbody, and
the angle of attack of the body to the air.
It is about 7% of the total drag.
BV

BV

SURFACE DRAG
Surface Drag is a frictional resistance that
results from air passing tangentially along the
body.
The velocity of air produced a thin layer called
the boundary layer next to the vehicle body,
which slows the velocity of air due to tangential
friction forces.
The viscous friction losses in the boundary
layer and the drag on small surface
imperfections within this layer are considered
as surface drag.
It is a small part of the total aerodynamic drag
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i.e., about 9%.
BV

07-01-2014

INTERFERENCE DRAG
Interference Drag is caused by the projection
and protuberances that exist on the basic
body.
The exterior vehicle body projections, such as
hood ornament, windshield wipers, radio
aerial, rearview mirror, air scoop, roof pillars,
rain gutters, all contribute to the total
interference drag.
The various component projecting under the
vehicle, such as engine pan, the suspension
arms, exhaust system and rear suspension
also contribute to the interference drag.
BV

It is about 17% of the total drag.

INTERNAL FLOW DRAG

Internal Flow Drag is the sum of all energy
losses produced when air passes into,
through, and out of all vehicle systems
requiring or permitting air flow.
The engine cooling flow (which is the primary
internal flow component) plus passenger
ventilation flow and any internal flow required
to cool brakes or other mechanical
components contribute to internal flow drag.
It is about 12% of the total drag.
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BV

AERODYNAMIC FORCES & MOMENTS

Direction

Force

moment

Longitudinal(x-axis)

Drag (PX )

Rolling moment (due to side

force) MX

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display ed.

Lateral(y-axis)

Side force(PY)
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display ed.

Vertical(z-axis)

Lift (PZ)
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display ed.

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BV

This image cannot currently be display ed.

Pitching moment(due to lift

force) MY
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Yawing moment ( due to side

force) MZ
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07-01-2014

PX = Force of air drag in the direction of motion

with wind along longitudinal axis.
PY = Side wind force or Cross-wind force.
PZ = Lift force.
MX = Rolling moment about longitudinal axis
caused by the force PY.
MY = Pitching moment about lateral axis
caused by force PZ.
MZ = Yawing moment about vertical axis
caused by the force PY.
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BV

BV

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CX = Dimensionless drag coefficient

CY = Dimensionless cross wind force coefficient
CZ = Dimensionless lift coefficient

V
A

= Air density
= Velocity of the vehicle
= cross-sectional area of the vehicle viewed from the
front.

e = distance between centre of gravity and centre of

pressure.
Ze = height of the centre of thrust above the centre of
gravity
L
BV

= Characteristic length ( wheel base)

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