Computational Analysis for Enhancing Motorcycle Aerodynamics by Modifying Engine Bay Openings

Improving aerodynamics is crucial for enhancing the stability, efficiency, and performance of motorcycles.Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is utilized to study the effect of engine bay modification on aerodynamic behavior.At flow speeds of 25 and 36 m/s, flow over two different design configurations, one with a fully enclosed engine bay and the other providing the optimal opening orientation, was evaluated.The results show that incorporating an engine bay opening decreases the induced pressure by 12.06% and 11.53%, resulting in a decrease of 1.64% and 1.19% in drag force, respectively.Analysis of the velocity field demonstrates effective management of the airflow with the reduction of turbulence and pressure recovery improvement at the rear section.Further, the formation of a low-pressure suction zone adds to aerodynamic stability, which is essential for high-speed operation.The analysis shows engine bay structure enhancements as an effective method to minimize drag and boost performance parameters for motorcycle designers in their development work.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal Européen des Systèmes Automatisés
Published
2025-05-31
DOI
https://doi.org/10.18280/jesa.580520
Primary Topic
Aerodynamics and Fluid Dynamics Research
Type
article
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article

Computational Analysis for Enhancing Motorcycle Aerodynamics by Modifying Engine Bay Openings

L. Mthembu, Abhishek Agarwal
Journal Européen des Systèmes Automatisés
Aerodynamics and Fluid Dynamics Research
article

Computational Analysis for Enhancing Motorcycle Aerodynamics by Modifying Engine Bay Openings

L. Mthembu, Abhishek Agarwal
article en

Abstract

Improving aerodynamics is crucial for enhancing the stability, efficiency, and performance of motorcycles.Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is utilized to study the effect of engine bay modification on aerodynamic behavior.At flow speeds of 25 and 36 m/s, flow over two different design configurations, one with a fully enclosed engine bay and the other providing the optimal opening orientation, was evaluated.The results show that incorporating an engine bay opening decreases the induced pressure by 12.06% and 11.53%, resulting in a decrease of 1.64% and 1.19% in drag force, respectively.Analysis of the velocity field demonstrates effective management of the airflow with the reduction of turbulence and pressure recovery improvement at the rear section.Further, the formation of a low-pressure suction zone adds to aerodynamic stability, which is essential for high-speed operation.The analysis shows engine bay structure enhancements as an effective method to minimize drag and boost performance parameters for motorcycle designers in their development work.

Journal Européen des Systèmes AutomatisésVol. 58(5)
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 78%
Aerodynamics and Fluid Dynamics Research
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