Model & approach
- Compare geometry variants under a common model setup
- Evaluate flow pattern, drag coefficient and wake structure
- Use lateral-force fluctuations as an additional selection criterion
Project / Off-highway
Aerodynamic development of an external intake duct
Geometry variants were compared in terms of airflow, resistance and wake stability.
Engineering question
The intake geometry needed to improve airflow while reducing drag and lateral-force fluctuations on the vehicle.
Boundary conditions
- Common vehicle and flow domain for every variant
- Geometry changes limited to the intake region
- No absolute velocities or coefficients in the project account
Results of the assessment
- The variants produced clearly different wake structures.
- A more open intake contour provided the preferred reported balance of resistance and wake behaviour.
- That design direction was selected for subsequent detail work.
Engineering consequence
The lower-loss opening and contour direction formed the basis for detailed intake development.
Context
Numerical coefficients and physical-test results are not included in the project account.
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