The feasibility of implementing an active flow control system in ground vehicles is investigated through detached-eddy simulations of the Windsor model. This is done in the open-source CFD code OpenFOAM.
Forcing is done with a zero-net-mass-flux actuator, which is modeled as a sinusoidal velocity boundary condition through slots located at the rear edge of the roof. Simulations are done in three steps: 2D, semi-3D and 3D, to give an understanding of different flow phenomena, and a parameter study is performed.
Results show that drag can be reduced mainly by reducing the strength of the vortex shedding process, with a gradual decrease in effectiveness from 2D to 3D. A small drag reduction is achieved in semi-3D, and a lift reduction is achieved in 3D. DES methodology is shown to work well when simulating active flow control.
Source: KTH
Author: Persson, Andrea
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