Abstract
The present study focuses in the establishment of a procedure for the accomplishment of analysis of aerodynamic computational performance by means of the software Siemens NX and, on the basis of the results obtained in the above mentioned analyses, in the exposition of offers of optimization of the body of the vehicle for the competition "Shell eco marathon 2010" that develops the Institute of Design and Manufacture of Universidad Politécnica of Valencia.
To achieve the objectives of this work has been carried to the completion, from the model CAD of the vehicle, to the accomplishment of a series of simulations under conditions in which the vehicle will compete, which later have been registered and compared to establish trends in the aerodynamic behavior of the existing vehicle. Along with this, and taking advantage of the wide range of analysis carried out, has generated a first approach to establishing performance graphic of solver CFD from NX software relating the size of element used for finite element meshing of vehicle and fluid, with the precision and calculation speed of the solving problem. With posteriority this study has proposed modifications to the original geometry of pursuing improvements in behavior observed through the applied analysis CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), being incorporated new models CAD.
This procedure has been carried out to reach optimization with the expected level for the vehicle during its performance validated tools to perform aerodynamic analysis that has the NX application, and allowing both the definition of a method to follow in the development of this type of analysis. An equally important achievement is the generation of specific documentation that enables engineers and automotive designers not CDF experts, but who often require this information, the analysis of such a method and accuracy appropriate to their needs.
In terms of concrete results, the present study has provided a vehicle optimization, reducing its drag coefficient (Cx) from 0.31 to 0.25, which is reflected in a decrease in air resistance to 0.6 N.
KEYWORDS: CFD, NX, computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, high efficiency car.