Computational aero-acoustic analysis of a passenger car with a rear spoiler

This study proposes an effective numerical model based on the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach to obtain the flow structure around a passenger car with wing type rear spoiler. The topology of the test vehicle and grid system is constructed by a commercial package, ICEM/CFD. FLUENT is the CFD solver employed in this Study. After numerical iterations are completed, the aerodynamic data and detailed complicated flow structure are visualized using commercial packages, Field View and Tecplot. The wind effect on the aerodynamic behavior of a passenger car with and without a rear spoiler and endplate is numerically investigated in the present study. It is found that the installation of a spoiler with an appropriate angle of attack can reduce the aerodynamic lift coefficient. Furthermore, the installation of an endplate can reduce the noise behind the car. It is clear that the vertical stability of a passenger car and its noise elimination can be improved. Finally, the aerodynamics and aero-acoustics of the most suitable design of spoiler is introduced and analyzed. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.