VEHICLE AERODYNAMICS - 2021/2

Module Overview

A lecture and tutorial based module providing an introduction to basic aerodynamic concepts, followed by development of specific understanding of vehicle aerodynamics and the associated requirements for overall vehicle design. Aerodynamic drag is considered in the context of streamlined and bluff body type vehicle flows. Aerodynamic lift/downforce in ground effect is covered, including consideration of high performance vehicles. The impact of aerodynamics on vehicle stability and loading is introduced. The link between external aerodynamics and internal flows, for cooling and thermal management, is additionally considered.

Module provider

Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Module Leader

DOHERTY John (Mech Eng Sci)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Aerodynamic Terms, Concepts and Forces

Historical review. Aerodynamics within overall vehicle design process. Terminology. Boundary layer. Reynolds number. Pressure Coefficient. Favourable and adverse pressure distributions. Aerodynamic forces leading to drag, lift (downforce) and moment coefficients. Breakdown of drag and downforce.

Aerodynamic tools and limitations

Spectrum of aerodynamic tools and associated fidelity of fluid dynamics modelling. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Wind tunnel testing and rolling roads. Track/road testing.

Aerofoils and Wings

Aerofoil and Wing definitions. Multi-element devices. Vortices. Induced drag. Ground effect. Wings in ground effect. Add-on features (e.g. End plates, Gurney flaps).

Vehicle Shapes and Aerodynamic Features

Attached flows and streamline design. Separated flows, wakes and base flows. Examples of specific aerodynamic features (e.g. Venturi, Diffuser, Spoiler, Open wheel). Typical aerodynamic coefficient values. Standard road cars. Commercial vehicles. High performance and race cars.

Vehicle Performance

Impact of aerodynamics on vehicle performance and efficiency. Stability, sensitivity, cross winds and multi-vehicle interaction.

External-Internal Flows

Cooling. Ventilation, heating, air conditioning. Contribution to noise. 

 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate understanding of theory, standards and modelling, as well as the ability to describe particular aerodynamic features and associated analysis methodologies in the final examination. The coursework element allows students to demonstrate that they can interpret a problem, can undertake appropriate research, can apply relevant methods and tools, can comment on suitability of the methods, and can report findings concisely.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Coursework      [ Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4 ]               (30 hours)                {40%}


• Examination     [ Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5 ]            (1.5 hours)              {60%}

• Formative verbal feedback is given in tutorials


• Written feedback is given on the coursework assessment

Module aims

• An introduction to basic aerodynamic concepts, standards and terminology
• An understanding of vehicle external aerodynamics, including streamlined flows, bluff body flows and ground effects
• An understanding of internal flows for cooling
• A critical assessment of vehicle aerodynamic drag, lift and stability considerations
• Familiarisation with methods for analysing aerodynamic characteristics and their use for design 

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

introduce vehicle aerodynamics and design methodology, through a combination of theory, empirical analysis, observation, computational prediction and experimental data. This is delivered principally through lectures, demonstration (computational, wind-tunnel) and tutorial classes.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• 2 hours lecture per week x 11 weeks


• 2 hour tutorial (in groups and individually) x 11 weeks


• Aerodynamics coursework (30 hours)


• 74.5 hours independent learning

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG3197

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.