Aerodynamic Study Of The Rear Spoiler Profile Of A Pick-Up Vehicle

Abstract

Aerodynamic drag in pick-up type vehicles is one of the main issues concerning their high fuel consumption. External devices attached to their body frame, such as spoilers, have been developed to reduce the drag. In this paper, the effect of the profile shape of a rear spoiler on aerodynamics of a pick-up vehicle was numerically investigated. The NACA 6409, NACA 0015 and NACA 4415 profiles were analyzed and compared with a case where any device was used. Results showed that flow and velocity of air were influenced by the addition and the shape of the spoilers. Low-pressure zone behind the vehicle was also affected due to modification of the boundary layer detachment. Analysis of static pressure on the rear surface showed that it was influenced by using the spoilers. On the other hand, drag and lift coefficients were calculated and evaluated for each case of study. Results allowed to identify the performance of the spoiler profiles on the drag of the vehicle.