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Using the OPEL ASTRA as an example, an efficient accelerated by offering comprehensive information to
process for the simulation of the flow field around designers about the entire flow field.
the exterior of a vehicle is described. The individual
steps involved in the simulation process, with a The flow field around a vehicle is physically very
special emphasis on mesh generation and adaption, complex. The efficiency of an aerodynamic CFD
are reviewed. In conclusion, various areas of simulation depends, therefore, on the timespan
application for aerodynamic simulations in the required to achieve the first set of results, as well as
automotive development process are discussed. the accuracy of the simulated flow quantities. The
turnaround time and confidence level in the
An increasing number of high performance predictions are two major criteria for success that
computers and commercial codes for grid generation compete with one another. Creation of the model
have become available over the last few years so that geometry, discretization of the physical domain, and
we can now calculate the air flow around automobile choice of a suitable numerical computing scheme are
models in a cost-effective manner. CFD flow significant factors that can determine the level of
simulation can thus be used to readily make success of such an effort.
statements about flow circulation around a car to the
point where models or prototypes are not available. The simulation process for the OPEL ASTRA that is
The process of aerodynamic design can therefore be described in this article is based on practical
UNIGRAPHICS
CAD Model FLUENT
Numerical solution of
Flow equations
FLUENT
ANSA Visualization/
Surface grid/mesh Data analysis
FLUENT
Automatic grid
adaption
TGRID/GAMBIT
3D-Hybrid grid
Summary References
A combination of ANSA and FLUENT was used to [1] ANSA Tutorial, BETA-CAE Systems 1998.
develop an efficient process to simulate the flow field [2] TGRID 3 User's Guide, Fluent Inc. 1997.
around a vehicle. The example of the OPEL ASTRA [3] FLUENT 5 User's Guide Volume 1-4, Fluent Inc.
indicates that the proposed gridding strategy can also 1998.
handle complex geometry. [4] Matus, R., "Modeling External Aerodynamics",
Fluent Inc. , User's Group Meeting 1994, Burlington
On the one hand, flow simulation serves to VT.
supplement the experimental work done in the wind [5] Spragle, G. S. & Smith, W. A, "Hanging Node
tunnel using flow field visualization. On the other Adaption on Unstructured Grids", Fluent Inc.,
hand, aerodynamic coefficients are available for Lebanon NH; AIAA 1994.
initial design studies, long before hardware models [6] Francis T. Makowski and Sung Eun Kim,
and prototypes come into existence. The CFD "Advances in External-Aero Simulation of Ground
computation of aerodynamic forces effectively Vehicles Using the Steady RANS Equations", SAE
supports the FEM structural calculations. Technical Paper 2000-01-0484.
In view of the exponential increase in computing [7] Piomelli, U. Chasnov, J. R., "Large Eddy
Simulations: Theory and Applications", ERCOFTAC
Summer School on Turbulence Modeling, Stockholm
1995.