Exploring the Influence of Vehicle Body Designs on Aerodynamic Drag

Abstract

What are the major causes of aerodynamic drag in vehicles, and how does it impact the fuel efficiency of a vehicle? The more aerodynamic body will experience less air resistance and friction as it travels across the surface, making it more fuel efficient. Many unique aerodynamic designs have been shown to have a lower drag coefficient that traditional cars, but further research is needed. 2 studies investigate the aerodynamics of vehicles using CFD models. The CFD models verify that most of the aerodynamic drag of a car is influenced by the front of the car, and the windshield. For planes, a smaller, more streamlined shape leads to less shear forces and temperature increases in planes, allowing for greater distances to be travelled.  These factors should be implemented for the greatest result in vehicles. Improved developments in streamlining vehicles and creating more innovative body designs will create more fuel-efficient vehicles in the future. Future aerodynamic research may also focus on other factors to aerodynamic drag, such as spoilers or the streamlining vehicles for turbulent forces in multiple directions.