Detached Eddy Simulation of the flow around a simplified vehicle sheltered by wind barrier in transient yaw crosswind

Abstract

This paper numerically investigates the flow around a moving vehicle sheltered by a wind barrier. Flow control strategy aimed at reducing the aerodynamic loads on the road vehicles requires a detailed knowledge of the reference flow. Exploratory study is conducted in understanding the flow physics involved in the wind barrier vehicle protection. Transient nature of the crosswind gust is represented by the time-dependent boundary conditions in Detached Eddy Simulation. Three methods to quantify and visualize the effects of the transient crosswind on the moving vehicle are considered: aerodynamic coefficients, pressure mapping, and flow visualization. Aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the vehicle are considerably lower compared to the case without the barrier shelter. Vehicle’s crosswind sensitivity is improved by wind barrier application in crosswind protection. The aim of this paper is to quantify and visualize the barrier influence on the moving vehicle aerodynamics in transient crosswind scenario.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.mech.21.3.8942