Effects of boundary layer scrapper on aerodynamic characteristics for automotive wind tunnel testing

Abstract

The use of boundary layer scrapper for automotive wind tunnel testing has not yet been fully studied in the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia-Low Speed Tunnel (UTM-LST). The main purpose of this research is to study the influence of the boundary layer scrapper on an automotive wind tunnel testing at UTM-LST. The boundary layer scrapper chosen for this study is the vortex generator. To conduct this research successfully, an automotive wind tunnel model and three vortex generators have been fabricated for wind tunnel campaign in the UTM-LST. The frontal heights of the vortex generator are manipulated to test their effectiveness on scrapping the boundary layers on the wind tunnel test section floor. The aerodynamic characteristics of the automotive model aimed to be studied are the drag, lift, side force and yawing moment coefficients. Besides, qualitative study by tuft visualization has also been conducted to examine the flow reattachment lines due to use of different vortex generators. As conclusion from the findings, the use of boundary layer scrapper does affect the model’s aerodynamic characteristics.