Dimple augmented on side Ahmed body : An analysis of turbulence kinetic energy on drag reduction

Rukiman, Muhammad Norhaizad (2024) Dimple augmented on side Ahmed body : An analysis of turbulence kinetic energy on drag reduction. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Aerodynamics forms an important part of fluid mechanics, especially in enhancing vehicle performance. The Ahmed body model, formulated in 1984, is a fundamental tool employed in automotive aerodynamic studies. This model has provided great insights regarding drag and wake phenomena, yet its geometry is too simple to be used in practical applications. Maximum drag reduction with the Ahmed body remains very challenging, especially with the application of passive control methods using surface modification. More research is needed to entirely understand the exact effects of dimples on the aerodynamics of the Ahmed body, as dimples can alter boundary layer behavior and thus reduce drag. This study will aim to analyze how dimple augmentation of the lateral surfaces of the Ahmed body will affect: turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) and hence drag reduction, changes in boundary layer behavior and wake characteristics, differences in the aerodynamic performance of a dimple-augmented Ahmed body with that of the conventional smooth surfaced Ahmed body. The study will try to enhance the Ahmed body model by the incorporation of different dimple configurations. This shall be achieved by coupling Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations with experimental validation. High-resolution meshing will be used and advanced turbulence modeling employed in the simulation of flow patterns and aerodynamic forces. Wind tunnel experiments shall be conducted to validate the CFD results. It is expected that the augmentation of the dimples will enhance the aerodynamic performance of the Ahmed body by leading to a reduction in drag and an alteration in the distribution of TKE, causing the boundary layer to adhere better, reducing turbulence in the wake, leading to the lowering of total drag and enhancing the efficiency of the vehicle. These discoveries have the potential to dramatically enhance the development of vehicle design with improved fuel efficiency and a greater focus on environmental sustainability.

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