Numerical analysis of fluid flow around a two dimensional automobile

SUMMARY Numerical Analysis of Fluid Flow around a Two Dimensional Automobile Model In this study, fluid flow around a two dimensional automobile model has been analyzed numerically by solving stream function-vorticity equations through finite difference method. For the solution of laminar and turbulent flow, the potential flow solution has been taken as an initial condition. Based on the numerical calculations, the variation of flow field with Reynolds number has been investigated. The effective Reynolds number model has been utilized for turbulent flow and the slip condition has been considered at the solid boundries. For the case of potential flow, the variation of pressure coefficient around the body has been calculated. It has been observed that the agreement between the results from this study and the experimental data of J. Wiedemann and B. Ewald is very good. Furthermore, the validity of the potential flow solutions has been verified by conducting a set of flow visualization experiments. Key words: Aerodynamics, flow around a car, numerical analysis, potential flow, laminar and turbulent flow, vorticity-stream function, finite difference, effective Reynolds number model, flow visualization. V