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European Car Aerodynamic
Research Association
A Forum for Technology Progress
In Ground Vehicle Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics

ECARA - Data Exchange

ECARA decided to provide an open platform to share geometry data and results of the different reference models, which are currently used in aerodynamic research.

If you want to share yours, please write an Email to: webmaster@ecara.org

 

Open-Cooling DrivAer (OCDA)

Nowadays, still many CFD and experimental investigations within vehicle aerodynamics are performed at strongly simplified bodies, like the SAE body. Even though, investigations of detailed models would be possible concerning the available computational power, the geometries of production cars are of course not available.

For assistance of investigations of OEMs and academia, the DrivAer model was introduced by Heft et Al. [1]. This model features a detailed geometry, following the geometry of production cars. As the rear ends are interchangeable, this model can depict estate, notch and fastback contours of mid-class cars. Also, the underbody region is interchangeable and can be modeled flat or detailed. The model was complemented by Wittmeier and Kuthada [2], adding a detailed engine bay and drivetrain geometry.

Since the introduction of the DrivAer model, an increasing amount of aerodynamic research and CAE method development activities are based on this detailed generic car body. Due to the open-access nature of the model, it has been adopted quickly by academia and OEMs [3]. Also, the provided high quality experimental data has permit validation of existing aerodynamic CAE capabilities and has accelerated the development of new sophisticated numerical methods.

The geometry is available either on the DrivAer Website (www.drivaer.com/) or the dedicated link on the left. The data on this website includes first CFD and experimental results.

 

References:

[1]        Heft, A.; Indinger, T.; Adams, N.: Introduction of a New Realistic Generic Car Model for Aerodynamic Investigations, SAE 2012 World Congress, April 23-26th, Detroit, Michigan, USA, Paper 2012-01-0168, 2012.

[2]        Wittmeier, F.; Kuthada, T.: Open Grille DrivAer Model - First Results. In: SAE Int. J. Passeng. Cars - Mech. Syst. 8(1):252-260, Paper 2015-01-1553, 2015.

[3]        Hupertz, B.; Krüger, L.; Chalupa, K.; Lewington, N.; Luneman, B.; Costa, P.; Kuthada, T.; Collin, C.: Introduction of a New Full-Scale Open Cooling Version of the DrivAer Generic Car Model. In: Progress in Vehicle Aerodynamics and Thermal Management, 11th FKFS Conference, September 26-27th, Stuttgart, Germany, 2017.

 

AeroSUV

The need for detailed reference models within vehicle aerodynamics has been impressively demonstrated by the quickly adoption of the DrivAer model by academia and OEMs, that was introduced by Heft et Al. [1]. This model features a level of detail, comparable to today’s production cars, including a detailed underbody geometry and engine bay flow. Additionally, as the model delivers three different rear end geometries, it can depict mid-class cars with estate back, notchback and fastback.

But this vehicle model cannot depict other segments. Within the last years, the registration number of SUVs, especially in Europe, has increased significantly. Among other things, this segment is characterized by a large cross-sectional area, an increased ground clearance and larger wheels. These parameters highly affect aerodynamics.

To expand the DrivAer concept, the open-access AeroSUV was developed [2]. In terms of comparability, the engine bay geometry is mostly adopted by the DrivAer. Also the rear end and the central underbody geometry (in detailed configuration) match. Additionally, a flat underbody geometry as well as a cooling air inlet closing are provided. Hence, the AeroSUV can depict SUV with ICE or BEV with estate, notch and fastback.

The geometric data for the AeroSUV model as well as experimental and numerical results are accessable by the link on the left. The linked data also includes a template for results of third party.

 

References:

[1]        Heft, A.; Indinger, T.; Adams, N.: Introduction of a New Realistic Generic Car Model for Aerodynamic Investigations, SAE 2012 World Congress, April 23-26th, Detroit, Michigan, USA, Paper 2012-01-0168, 2012.

[2]        Zhang, C.; Tanneberger, M.; Kuthada, T.; Wittmeier, F.; Wiedemann, J.; Nies, J.: Introduction of the AeroSUV – A New Generic SUV Model for Aerodynamic Research. WCX SAE World Congress, April 9-11th, Detroit, Michigan, USA, Paper 2019-01-0646, 2019.

Generic Truck Utility (GTU)


The Generic Truck Utility (GTU) is a modular, open source model for studying the flow around pickup
truck and SUV geometries.

References:

[1] The GTU: A New Realistic Generic Pickup Truck and SUV Model

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