Numerical investigation on aerodynamic noises of the lateral window in vehicles

Abstract

The paper firstly conducted a numerical simulation for flow fields and aerodynamic noises of the lateral window region in vehicles, and verified its correctness using the experimental test. Numerical simulation shows that: A pillar has a complicated shape and large corner, so that airflows will be separated here. An eddy structure is caused in the lateral window region and develops along the A pillar to generate serious pressure pulsations. A low pressure region is formed behind the A pillar. Obvious airflow separation regions are in the A pillar, rear view mirrors, wheels and wheel chambers. These airflow separation regions are typical positions causing aerodynamic noises. Additionally, large separated regions are located at the tail part of the vehicle, which is a main reason for causing the aerodynamic resistance. Intensity and velocity of eddies near the lateral window surface are relatively large, while its intensity near edges of the rear view mirror is weak. The shape of eddies extends along the flow direction to be an oval shape. The separated and broken eddies are sources for causing pressure pulsations. According to sound pressures of observation points, it can be also found that the separated eddy is a main reason for causing aerodynamic noises. Sound pressures are low at the right upper corner of lateral windows. In addition, noise distributions on the lateral window become gradually uniform with the increased frequency. In order to reduce flow noises, a bionic saw-tooth structure is applied to A pillars and rear view mirrors. After the bionic structure is introduced, some fluids are adhered to A pillars and rear view mirrors, so that the energy of fluids reaching the lateral window is reduced. In addition, fluids in rear regions of the rear view mirror presented a spiral shape, so that the possibility of fluid diffusion will be also reduced. In the original model, the maximum energy is 57.77, while that in this region with the bionic saw-tooth structures is 55.00. Obviously, the eddy energy is weakened. Compared with the original model, flow noises of all the observation points are reduced to different degrees, and the noise reduction effect is obvious. The results fully prove that this region with bionic saw-teeth in this paper has obvious advantages in noise reduction.