Aerodynamics of a Rotating Wheel in a Wheelhouse: A Numerical Investigation using LES

The aerodynamic drag force is a crucial factor for passenger cars and trucks, where fuel economy is of utmost importance. While a lot of research has been performed to optimize the design of the upper-body of the vehicle, the flow over a rotating wheel that is enclosed by a wheelhouse is not understood to the same level. Estimates show that the...

Aerodynamic Effects of the Flow Field in a Vehicle Rear Wheel Arch and its Effect on the Driving Resistance

The increasing importance of climate change and stricter regulations for greenhouse gas emissions raise the pressure on the automotive industry to develop more efficient products. Besides a reduction of emissions by new combustion engines, electric vehicles are being introduced to lower the fleet fuel economy. Especially this new drivetrain...