Recommended Citation
Postprint version. Published in 53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting Proceedings: Kissimmee, FL, Winter January 5, 2015, pages 1-11.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2015-0007.
Abstract
The current understanding of the aerodynamic performance of Sunswift’s solar-electric race car eVe is limited, despite the design and manufacture of the vehicle in 2012-13. This paper describes an investigation into the aerodynamic behaviour of the vehicle and details the successive design and development of drag minimisation strategies. A study of the external airflow around the vehicle was undertaken through a computational fluid dynamics analysis, with validation offered through the results of real-world track testing. Particular reference is made to the Sunswift team’s successful long-range electric vehicle land speed record attempt on 23 July 2014. A predicted 10% reduction in drag has been achieved through external bodywork modifications as described within this paper. Recommendations for the design of low drag vehicles are also presented, with relation made to the future of sustainable transport.
Disciplines
Aerospace Engineering
Number of Pages
11
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/aero_fac/155