| Summary: | Thesis (MTech (Mechanical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. === This work presents the computational
uid dynamics (CFD) analysis of a light road
vehicle. Simulations are conducted using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with
the wall adapting local eddy (WALE) turbulence model. Simulations include and compare
the use of a rolling road, rotating wheels, adaptive re nement as well as showing
comparison with a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solver and the Spalart-
Allmaras (SA) turbulence model. The lift coe cient of the vehicle for the most part
was seen to show a much greater di erence and inconsistencies when compared to drag
from the comparisons of solvers, turbulence models, re nement and the e ect of rolling
road. Determining the drag of a road vehicle can be easily achieved and veri ed using
multiple solvers and methods, however, the lift coe cient and its validation require a
greater understanding of the vehicle
ow eld as well as the solvers, turbulence models
and re nement levels capable of correctly simulating the turbulent regions around a
vehicle. Using the presented method, it was found that the optimisation of vehicle
aerodynamics can easily be done alongside the design evolution from initial low-drag
shapes to the nal detail design, ensuring aerodynamic characteristics are controlled
with aesthetic change.
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