Numerical simulation and prototyping of vortex generators for aerodynamic improvement in sedan vehicles

Abstract

The objective is focused on studying the influence that vortex generators have on aerodynamic characteristics of sedan vehicles. To achieve this study, a dynamic model has been designed to determine the forces acting on the vehicle and on vortex generators, performing simulations in specialized software. Subsequently, the analysis was carried out with the available finite element program. In this program, the geometry was subjected to different conditions. The first operation was to create a control volume. Once the volume is obtained, the correct meshing characteristics are extended, to simulate it and later obtaining the force data that the program reflects. The results revealed that the height of vortex generators and their orientation with respect to flow are not arbitrary values, but the resultant force that fluid causes on vehicle depends on them, so the design of vortex generators will not be randomly and there will be suitable dimensions in specific places of location. Finally, with the correct dimensions of vortex generator, 3D printing was shown to prototype it using PLA filament with mechanical properties and level of roughness according to the requirements.