How do you measure and monitor vehicle aerodynamics and thermals?

1 Wind tunnel testing

One of the most common and reliable ways to measure and monitor vehicle aerodynamics and thermals is to use a wind tunnel. A wind tunnel is a facility that simulates the airflow around a vehicle by blowing air at different speeds and directions. The vehicle is mounted on a platform that can measure the forces and moments acting on it, such as drag, lift, and yaw. The wind tunnel can also have sensors and probes that measure the pressure, temperature, and velocity of the air around the vehicle. These data can help engineers evaluate the aerodynamic performance and design of the vehicle, and identify areas of improvement.

2 Computational fluid dynamics

Another way to measure and monitor vehicle aerodynamics and thermals is to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD). CFD is a method that uses mathematical models and software to simulate the flow of fluids and gases around a vehicle. CFD can provide detailed information about the aerodynamic and thermal behavior of the vehicle, such as the distribution of pressure, temperature, and turbulence. CFD can also help engineers test different scenarios and configurations without having to build physical prototypes or use a wind tunnel. However, CFD requires high computational power and accuracy, and may not capture all the complexities and interactions of the real-world flow.

3 On-road testing

A third way to measure and monitor vehicle aerodynamics and thermals is to use on-road testing. On-road testing involves driving the vehicle on a track or a road under various conditions and measuring the relevant parameters. On-road testing can provide realistic and practical feedback on how the vehicle performs in different environments and situations. On-road testing can also help engineers validate and calibrate the results of wind tunnel testing and CFD. However, on-road testing can be affected by many external factors, such as weather, traffic, and driver behavior, and may not be as consistent or controlled as other methods.

4 Instrumentation and sensors

To measure and monitor vehicle aerodynamics and thermals, engineers must use appropriate instrumentation and sensors. Common instruments and sensors include force balance, pressure taps, pitot tubes, thermocouples, infrared cameras, anemometers, and data acquisition systems. By utilizing these methods and tools, engineers can improve the performance, efficiency, and comfort of their vehicles to meet the challenges of the automotive industry. Force balance measures the forces and moments acting on the vehicle in the wind tunnel or on the road. Pressure taps are small holes on the surface that measure air pressure at different points. Pitot tubes measure the velocity of air by comparing static and dynamic pressure. Thermocouples measure temperature of air or vehicle by measuring voltage difference between two metals. Infrared cameras detect infrared radiation emitted by a vehicle's surface to measure its temperature. Anemometers measure speed and direction of wind while data acquisition systems record and store data for further processing and analysis.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?