An Optimization Of Drag Reduction Of An Automotive Roof Box

• Main Author: Hashim, Muhammed Noor
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: UTeM 2016
• Subjects: T Technology (General); TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
• Online Access: http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/18563/; http://library.utem.edu.my:8000/elmu/index.jsp?module=webopac-d&action=fullDisplayRetriever.jsp&szMaterialNo=0000101472; HF5351.M34 2016

Today many drivers in metropolitan choose compact cars because it is attractive and easy to drive in town which has narrow streets. Although compact car has a major disadvantage as it is built with small luggage storage capacity which is around 200 litres. To overcome this disadvantage consumers have chosen to add extra storage device, roof box. This extra device significantly add to the increment the total drag and resulted more fuel consumption. The objective of this study is to construct 3D model and analyse drag coefficient of commercial roof box and optimised shaped roof box by using CFD simulation software. Common roof box and optimised shaped roof box designed using CAD software and the aerodynamic drag analysis were done using computational fluid analysis CFD simulation software. As a result, the optimised roof box was designed streamlined as it generated small vortex core and with less aerodynamic drag. Studies were also conducted on the use of fuel consumption on both design where the optimized design were expected to save up to 29% fuel consumption reduction compared to the common roof box.