Abstract
The aim of this study was to reduce the aerodynamic resistance coefficient of heavy commercial vehicles and buffeting noise that occurs when a sunroof is opened. Computational fluid dynamics was used to establish a numerical simulation model of wind resistance and buffeting noise. Analysis shows that the main influences on aerodynamic resistance are the airflow impact on the roof dome and the wake vortex behind the cab. Sunroof buffeting noise is caused by a low-pressure turbulent vortex generated at the forehead of the cab and falls off at the sunroof. A strategy for reducing the wind resistance coefficient and sunroof buffeting noise is proposed, which involves optimizing the sun visor installation angle and roof dome shape. The optimal strategy is to increase the sun visor installation angle by 4° and use the Scheme 2 roof dome. After optimization, the aerodynamic resistance coefficient of the commercial vehicle was reduced by 2.07% and the sound pressure level of sunroof buffeting noise was reduced by 18.3 dB. Hence, the effect of optimization was obvious. This work provides guidance for reducing drag and buffeting noise in commercial vehicles.
Highlights
With the rapid development of the transportation industry, the number of heavy commercial vehicles has greatly increased
The air resistance acting on commercial vehicles is composed of pressure resistance, friction resistance, and internal flow resistance, among which pressure resistance accounts for 60%–75% of the total
In commercial vehicle drag-reduction design, changes in external flow usually worsen the acoustic characteristics of the cab due to aerodynamic noise, which, over long periods, can reduce driver comfort and increase fatigue
Summary
With the rapid development of the transportation industry, the number of heavy commercial vehicles has greatly increased. Commercial vehicle air resistance reduction design in consideration of aerodynamic noise is of great significance in reducing vehicle fuel consumption and improving the acoustic comfort of the cab. Hu et al. used a combined simulation strategy to analyze the aerodynamic noise and wind resistance characteristics of the designed rear-view mirror. Drag reduction of commercial vehicles with consideration of aerodynamic noise is studied using the CFD numerical simulation method. Optimizing existing accessories, such as the sun visor and roof dome, to reduce the sunroof buffeting noise and wind resistance is proposed.
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