Numerical Investigation of Fluctuating Aerodynamic Lift Acting on the Road Vehicle Which Affects Drivability

In this study, unsteady flow simulations using a large-eddy simulation are conducted to analyze vehicle aerodynamics. The objective is to investigate flow structures that cause unsteady lift fluctuations potentially affecting the drivability of a vehicle. In addition, the dependence on the yaw angle of the incoming flow yaw angle is studied. The target model is a sedan-type vehicle that includes a complex underbody geometry and engine compartment. The model is based on production CAD drawings. The yaw angle of the incoming flow is set to 0°, 3°, and 5°. The simulation results are analyzed by several post-processing methods, such as root-mean-square of the transient pressure field, power spectral density of the lift force, and dynamic mode decomposition method to extract the flow features associated with the unsteady lift fluctuation. It is concluded that the aerodynamic fluctuation that may affect a vehicle’s vertical stability is concentrated on the rear tire and bumper area. In addition, when the yaw angle of the incoming flow increases, the fluctuation of the lift and the disturbance of flow structures are enhanced.