Recommended Citation
Postprint version. Published in International Journal of Vehicle Design, Volume 66, Issue 2, January 1, 2014, pages 144-167.
NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Graham Doig was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.
Abstract
The aerodynamic design and development of the University of New South Wales' ultra-low-drag solar-electric Sunswitt IV car is described, detailing the student-led design process from initial concept sketches to the completed vehicle. The body shape was established and relined over a period of six months in 2008-2009, almost entirely using computational fluid dynamics. The guiding philosophy was that predictable handling and drag minimization in challenging, changing wind conditions of the type commonly seen during the World Solar Challenge across Australia was preferable to high performance only on 'perfect' days. The car won its class in the 2009 and 2011 World Solar Challenges, and holds the Guinness World Record for last est solar-powered vehicle.
Disciplines
Aerospace Engineering
Copyright
Publisher statement
The following article appeared in International Journal of Vehicle Design.
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URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/aero_fac/130