Active aerodynamics of an autonomous car
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Automotive engineering (MPAUT), MSc
Publicerad
2023
Författare
Malali Obaiah, Samarth
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Autonomous cars are one of the nascent technologies being focused on by many of
the major automobile manufacturing companies. These new smarter cars allow for
new possibilities in terms of integrated systems such as powertrain and safety. In
the same way, manufacturers are trying to integrate vehicle aerodynamics into this
smart ecosystem, making the car even more efficient and with improved performance.
The first step towards smart aerodynamics can already be seen in present vehicles
with features like active grille shutters, an extending tail section, and, in higher-end
vehicles, the change in the angle of attack for the rear spoiler. The advantage of
introducing smart aerodynamics into an autonomous Formula student car is very
beneficial as the system already knows the path that the car is going to take. The
basic function of the system is to feed the upcoming driving trajectory into the smart
aerodynamics system, which in turn adjust aerodynamic character of the vehicle for
example with help of wing profiles. As a result, the car will be ready to traverse the
track in a more efficient manner.
The objective of this thesis is to develop a control system for the aerodynamics
of the car to alter its track characteristics to best suit the needs of track topology
and for other performance enhancements. Furthermore, the methods that are implemented
to the car will is backed up with numerical simulation using fluid simulation
software and validated through the results obtained.
Various techniques have been employed to enhance the aerodynamic characteristics
with combinations of rear wing and front wing angle of attack manipulation.
As a result, the improvements in terms of drag and lift are achieved.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Autonomous car , Aerodynamic characteristics , Wing profiles , Numerical simulation , Fluid simulation , Drag and lift