Analysis of hysteresis and phase shifting phenomena in unsteady three-dimensional wakes
Résumé
The aerodynamic characteristics of automobile vehicles are greatly influenced by the unsteady change in the direction of relative airflow. The aim of this paper is to analyse how such a change influences vehicle wake flow patterns. An analysis was conducted on a simplified model capable of reproducing the typical structures encountered under the aerodynamic conditions of an automobile vehicle. The results were then processed by mapping the steady and unsteady total pressure losses around the model. The findings should enable automobile development engineers inter alia to identify and analyse the physical phenomena that occur when a vehicle is subjected to a sudden gust of side wind.