Aerodynamic optimisation of prototype FSAE vehicle through biomimetic approach

Abstract

The aerodynamic aspect is undoubted of high importance in vehicular design as it correlates with improving performance efficiency and reducing fuel consumption for an automotive vehicle. This paper documents the design and optimisation process of the prototype FSAE (Formula of Student Automotive Engineers) vehicle in aerodynamic performance. This project aims to generate design optimisation for the body of FSAE vehicles through a biomimetic approach to simulate the feasibility of biological systems integration in engineering design. Computational fluid dynamics through turbulent models were incorporated in analysing the aerodynamic flow of the optimised model. The geometrical aspect of the model is optimised through shape and parametric optimisation relative to the biological model implemented. The production of a highly reliable and improved prototype was represented as an optimised solution with a 48.65% improvement in drag coefficient and 113.97% in lift coefficient or stability compared to the initial proposed model of the prototype FSAE vehicle body. CAD design of the expected prototype is produced, along with the presentation of a scaled-down fabricated 3D model. The optimised model is fabricated considering the successful improvement in fuel efficiency by 18.19%.