Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics, drag and lift, of an automotive aileron (spoiler) assisted by Coandă effect. This type of active control of flows represents a new approach in the field of the auxiliary devices of the cars, which are used to generate download. Thus, using a wing which generate download, and having a classical airfoil, namely the Clark-Y, the 3D flow around this with Coandă effect was simulated, taking into account also the effect of the solid surface proximity. For the analyses with Coanda effect, a curved slot of 0.7 mm width was considered on the lower side of the wing placed at 0.4 of airfoil chord, starting from the trailing edge. The effect of the wing on a bluff body was studied, too. The results show that Coanda effect can be used to reduce trailing edge separation, in order to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the ailerons, and latter to increase the aerodynamic behaviour of the vehicle concerning the aerodynamic loads, drag and lift, stability and handling. Results show drag decreasing of 10% and 25% reduction of generated lift on vehicles equipped with spoiler assisted by Coandă effect, which combines the advantages of fixed spoilers, without mechanical part in motion, and adjustable ones.
Keywords: automotive, aerodynamics, aileron, Coanda effect, CFD