Design and aerodynamic analysis of side wind deflector for three-wheel vehicle

Abstract

Transportation plays a crucial role in our daily lives, and three-wheeled vehicles are an essential part of public transportation. However, many three-wheeled vehicles, particularly Bajaj models, lack side doors, leading to challenges such as passenger discomfort due to wind pressure, increased drag force during motion, reduced vehicle speed, higher fuel consumption, and compromised stability. The primary objective of this thesis is to design and perform an aerodynamic analysis of a side wind deflector for Bajaj three-wheelers to improve passenger comfort and reduce drag force. The methodology begins with a comprehensive literature review to understand the aerodynamic challenges faced by three-wheelers, particularly the impact of drag force on fuel efficiency and stability. Following this, the problems of high drag and wind buffeting are identified, which necessitate the introduction of a wind deflector. A detailed 3D model of the vehicle, based on specific parameters such as wheelbase, frame type, and dimensions, is created using CATIA V5. This model is then analyzed using ANSYS for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to evaluate the effects of the wind deflector on aerodynamic performance. The study incorporates design optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), examining the impact of deflector angle and width on drag and lift forces. These results demonstrate a significant improvement in aerodynamic performance due to the wind deflector with a 30° angle and 15 cm width. Specifically, there is a 16.8% reduction in drag force, and a 13.14% reduction in lift force. These improvements lead to better fuel efficiency, enhanced vehicle stability, and reduced wind noise. The wind deflector also positively impacts airflow behavior and reduces pressure inside the cabin, contributing to enhanced passenger comfort. The findings suggest that the incorporation of a wind deflector with a 30° angle and 15 cm width can substantially improve both the aerodynamic performance and overall comfort of Bajaj three-wheelers.

Transportation Plays A Crucial Role In Our Daily Lives, And Three-Wheeled Vehicles Are An Essential Part Of Public Transportation. However, Many Three-Wheeled Vehicles, Particularly Bajaj Models, Lack Side Doors, Leading To Challenges Such As Passenger Discomfort Due To Wind Pressure, Increased Drag Force During Motion, Reduced Vehicle Speed, Higher Fuel Consumption, And Compromised Stability. The Primary Objective Of This Thesis Is To Design And Perform An Aerodynamic Analysis Of A Side Wind Deflector For Bajaj Three-Wheelers To Improve Passenger Comfort And Reduce Drag Force. The Methodology Begins With A Comprehensive Literature Review To Understand The Aerodynamic Challenges Faced By Three-Wheelers, Particularly The Impact Of Drag Force On Fuel Efficiency And Stability. Following This, The Problems Of High Drag And Wind Buffeting Are Identified, Which Necessitate The Introduction Of A Wind Deflector. A Detailed 3d Model Of The Vehicle, Based On Specific Parameters Such As Wheelbase, Frame Type, And Dimensions, Is Created Using Catia V5. This Model Is Then Analyzed Using Ansys For Computational Fluid Dynamics (Cfd) Simulations To Evaluate The Effects Of The Wind Deflector On Aerodynamic Performance. The Study Incorporates Design Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology (Rsm), Examining The Impact Of Deflector Angle And Width On Drag And Lift Forces. These Results Demonstrate A Significant Improvement In Aerodynamic Performance Due To The Wind Deflector With A 30?? Angle And 15 Cm Width. Specifically, There Is A 16.8% Reduction In Drag Force, And A 13.14% Reduction In Lift Force. These Improvements Lead To Better Fuel Efficiency, Enhanced Vehicle Stability, And Reduced Wind Noise. The Wind Deflector Also Positively Impacts Airflow Behavior And Reduces Pressure Inside The Cabin, Contributing To Enhanced Passenger Comfort. The Findings Suggest That The Incorporation Of A Wind Deflector With A 30?? Angle And 15 Cm Width Can Substantially Improve Both The Aerodynamic Performance And Overall Comfort Of Bajaj Three-Wheelers