One-Way Fluid Structure Interaction of a Utility Vehicle Splitter using CFD Modelling

Abstract

The Utility Vehicle, commonly known as a “ute” in New Zealand, and a “pickup” in other countries, is very popular for work, recreation and motorsport. This report investigates how the addition of a front splitter influences the handling ability on a Ford Courier Ute, for better aerodynamics during racing. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) were used to investigate the one-way fluid structure interaction of the speed of the Ute with and without the splitter modification. Three configurations of the splitter were modelled and analysed using SolidWorks 2022, CFD and FEA packages. The ground clearance between the splitter and the road was set at three heights, 200 mm, 150 mm and 50 mm. These designs were compared with the control, in terms of the amount of downforce, drag and aerodynamic efficiency. The ground clearance of 150 mm was optimal, in terms of the parameters investigated. The findings from this paper may inspire Ute enthusiasts to fit a splitter to their Ute for racing applications.