A Hybrid RANS/LES Model for Predicting the Aerodynamics of Small City Vehicles

Electric city vehicles are vital for reducing pollution in urban areas due to their zero emissions and high energy efficiency, significantly improving air quality and reducing the carbon footprint. This study investigates the aerodynamic behavior of simplified city vehicle models using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations based on Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) turbulence model. The models are tested at speeds of 10 m/s, 15 m/s, and 20 m/s, with a grid independence study to ensure reliable results. ANSYS Fluent is used for the simulations, comparing the results from RANS and hybrid RANS/LES or DDES in terms of aerodynamic forces and flow patterns around the vehicle. Results show that the drag coefficient (Cd) decreases with increasing speed for both RANS and DDES models. At 10 m/s, the drag coefficients are 0.541 for RANS and 0.524 for DDES, a 3.14% reduction. At 15 m/s, the drag coefficients are 0.539 for RANS and 0.518 for DDES, a 3.89% reduction. At 20 m/s, the drag coefficients are 0.538 for RANS and 0.514 for DDES, a 4.46% reduction. Flow visualizations show that DDES simulations capture more detailed and complex flow structures, particularly in the wake region, compared to the smoother RANS patterns. These findings are essential guidelines for optimizing vehicle design to enhance aerodynamic performance and contribute to the development of more efficient, environmentally friendly urban transportation solutions.