Aeroelastic investigation of passive sidepod deformation: aerodynamic impact and flow enhancement
This thesis investigates the structural behaviour and aerodynamic characteristics of a racing car sidepod under aerodynamic loads to evaluate the potential impact of controlled deformation on performance and airflow management, particularly towards the radiator. A coupled simulation approach was dev...
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| Tipo de recurso: | tesis de maestría |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositorio: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/449242 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/449242 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Aeroelasticity Finite element method Computational fluid dynamics Finite element analysis Carbon fibre laminates Sidepod deformation Aeroelastic effects Vehicle aerodynamics Structural optimisation Flow management Cooling efficiency Motorsport simulation Aeroelasticitat Elements finits, Mètode dels Dinàmica de fluids computacional Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria dels materials Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Física |
| Sumario: | This thesis investigates the structural behaviour and aerodynamic characteristics of a racing car sidepod under aerodynamic loads to evaluate the potential impact of controlled deformation on performance and airflow management, particularly towards the radiator. A coupled simulation approach was developed, combining Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to capture airflow and pressure distributions with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to predict structural response. The study explores how different composite laminates and fibre orientations affect sidepod flexibility, stress distribution, and flow response under realistic operating conditions. CFD simulations were employed to quantify aerodynamic forces acting on the sidepod during representative operating scenarios. These forces were subsequently applied in the FEA model to assess deformation patterns, displacement magnitudes, and potential failure points. Results indicate that specific composite laminates can achieve controlled deformation without exceeding structural limits, potentially improving flow management through the sidepod and towards the radiator. The analysis demonstrates that strategic material selection and fibre orientations can enable beneficial aeroelastic coupling whilst maintaining structural integrity. The findings contribute to understanding how sidepod deformation can be exploited to enhance vehicle performance, improve cooling efficiency, and inform the development of higher-performing racing car designs. |
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