Determination of the aerodynamic drag coefficient for a vehicle type-Baja SAE through simulation in SolidWorks® 2012

Abstract

The constant search for greater efficiency in any type of project, is one of the top searches of the engineering professional. In the automotive field this search is summarized in large part to the reduction of external loads on the vehicle. In these studies, aerodynamics becomes essential as it is responsible for much of the energy loss of propulsion, ie, the energy that is generated by the vehicle engine. With the loss of energy increases fuel consumption as well as noise and oscillations in the vehicle. This work was based on the prototype Baja Team Bajarara - UNIARARAS, aimed at contributing to the development of the project and the Baja study its aerodynamics. Even when dealing with a vehicle low speed, the aerodynamic features a Baja its longitudinal displacement, which should not be neglected. To analyze this aerodynamic resistance, we must know the Coefficient of Aerodynamic Drag (Cx).In this work, was used SolidWorks ® 2012 to conduct a computer simulation and subsequent measurement of this coefficient. This study can be extended and applied to any type of vehicle, because its achievement method Coeficient of Aerodynamics Drag is valid for any object of the any form, incluse aircrafts, for example, they can be determined for, to, the Lift Force thereof.