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ISSN Online: 2379-1748

9th Thermal and Fluids Engineering Conference (TFEC)
April, 21-24, 2024, Corvallis, OR, USA

AERODYNAMICS OF AN ELECTRIC CLOSED-CARGO VAN

Get access (open in a dialog) pages 165-176
DOI: 10.1615/TFEC2024.ada.049324

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to study the aerodynamics of an electric closed-cargo van. The model is two-dimensional, and the k-omega SST model simulates turbulence. The findings show that the flow over the truck is turbulent and separated at the roof, causing a complex vortex-shedding pattern behind the vehicle. The large wake region and vortex shedding could lead to increased drag and decreased fuel efficiency. The van was tested at three speeds, and the findings showed that as speed increased, the vortex shedding became more noticeable while the drag coefficient decreased slightly. The research provides valuable insights into van aerodynamics through drag and lift forces, which can be used to improve van designs to reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency. The van's drag coefficient is slightly lower than 0.75, close to that of large trucks with wind deflectors. If the complex vortex-shedding pattern behind the van is further optimized by changing the car profile, it can help reduce drag and lift forces, leading to a stable driving experience.