Computational Analysis of Passive Flow Control by Vortex Generator around Vehicle Model

Abstract

Abstract The goal of reducing aerodynamic drag is crucial for improving vehicle fuel efficiency and lowering emissions, particularly in bluff-body vehicles undergoing significant wake-induced drag. This research explores the aerodynamic characteristics of a modified Ahmed body model through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations conducted in ANSYS Fluent. The main objective is to assess the impact of passive flow control by embedding a vortex generator at the rear of the vehicle, with inclination angles ranging from 0° to 30°. The baseline model shows considerable wake formation due to early flow separation, leading to a high drag coefficient of 0.864 and a notably negative rear pressure coefficient of -0.306. Implementing the vortex generator effectively delays separation, reduces the wake size, and enhances rear pressure recovery. The best aerodynamic performance is observed at a vortex generator inclination angle of 20°, where the drag coefficient decreases by 8.68% and the average rear pressure coefficient improves to -0.1936. Beyond 20°, the effectiveness declines due to increased flow disturbances and turbulence, causing a rise in drag. These results confirm the angle-dependent behavior of vortex generators and their potential for passive drag reduction, aligning with existing literature. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the aerodynamics of ground vehicles using cost-effective, energy-efficient flow control methods.

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