A Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Inverted Wings Modifications on the Stability and Aerodynamic Performance of a Sedan Car at Cornering

Abstract

This research examines the impact of cornering on the aerodynamic forces and stability of a Nissan Versa (Almera) passenger sedan car by introducing novel modifications. These modifications included single inverted wings with end plates as a front spoiler, double‐element inverted wings with end plates as a rear spoiler, and incorporating the ground as a diffuser under the car trunk. The goal is to enhance the performance and stability of conventional passenger cars. To ensure the accuracy of the numerical data, the study utilized multiple methodologies to model the turbulence model, ultimately selecting the most suitable option. This involved comparing numerical data with wind tunnel experimental data using force balance and pressure distribution. Once validated, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was employed to analyze the vehicle's aerodynamic performance relative to the straight‐line condition under cornering conditions. The car simulation in a cornering condition was conducted at a representative Reynolds number based on the vehicle length of about 1.3 × 107. The study discovered that asymmetry was a recurring theme regarding surface pressure distribution, with greater prominence under cornering conditions. All modified models exhibited a more favorable lift‐to‐drag ratio than the baseline, indicating improved aerodynamic efficiency. The underbody double‐element diffuser proved most effective for enhancing fuel efficiency and stability. Mesh refinement with a polyhedral algorithm consisting of 11.27 million elements and a computational domain with a frontal area of 91.8 m2 and a curved length of 31 m (˜7 times car length) was crucial for achieving accurate and repeatable results. The study employed multiple turbulence models within the CFD framework. The realizable k‐ε model was chosen due to its balance between accuracy and computational cost for all Nissan Versa models. These findings are limited to the selected parameters and wind tunnel conditions, and further investigations might be needed for extreme driving scenarios.