Optimization and design method for a rough rear surface on the notchback MIRA model

Abstract

In order to explore the optimization and design method of the rough surface on a vehicle body, a pitted rough surface, a convex rough surface and a grooved rough surface are respectively arranged at the rear of the MIRA model. Computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel tests are adopted to analyse the relationships between the aerodynamic drag and the factors of the rough surface. The distance L and the height H of the surface roughness are considered as the design variables, and the aerodynamic drag coefficient C_D is the objective evaluation function. Sample points are obtained by the Latin hypercube sampling method, and the kriging approximate model is set up according to the sample points and the response values. Then the multi-island genetic algorithm is used as the optimization algorithm to find the optimum solution. The aerodynamic effects of the rough surface model, with optimization and without optimization, are compared and analysed. Experimental and simulation results show that the aerodynamic drag coefficient further decreases after parameter optimization and that the optimization method is valid and general. The results obtained may provide a helpful reference and guidance for future rough surface applications on a vehicle body.

Keywords

Automobile body aerodynamic drag reduction rough surfaces parameter optimization approximate model

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