Improving aerodynamic performance for a reliable wiper system

Sertaç Çadırcı, Süleyman Emre Ak, Buğra Şelenbaş, Hasan Güneş
2017 International Journal of Automotive Engineering and Technologies  
In this study, it is aimed to simulate aerodynamic forces acting on the windshield wiper system on a simplified geometry at different blade angles. Numerical simulations reveal that at critical blade angles, undesired lift forces can reach their peak values. The blade-spoiler geometry is modified in a manner to alter aerodynamic lift and drag coefficients. On a simplified front windshield it is shown that at a blade angle of 40  , lift forces can be converted to pressing forces by implementing
more » ... suggested modifications. Furthermore 2 vortex identification is used to understand the formation of vortex structures at different blade angles. On the other hand, soiling tests are performed both on original and modified wiper geometries and their performances are compared. Nomenclature Latin: Ap projection area of the wiper [m 2 ] CD drag coefficient [= 2FDrag/ρ U 2 ∞Ap] CL lift coefficient [= 2FLift/ρ U 2 ∞Ap] Ci model constants for i = 1, 1ε, 2, 3ε, μ FDrag aerodynamic drag force [N] FLift aerodynamic lift force [N] FX aerodynamic force in x-direction [N] FY aerodynamic force in y-direction [N] k turbulence kinetic energy [m 2 /s 2 ] Gk generation of turbulence kinetic energy due to mean velocity gradients Gb generation of turbulence kinetic energy due to buoyancy U uniform free stream velocity [m/s] uj velocity [m/s] Greek: α inclination angle of the windshield [°] ε dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy [m 2 /s 3 ] λ eigenvalue μ dynamic viscosity [kg/ms] μt turbulent viscosity [= ρCμk 2 /ε ] ρ density [kg/m 3 ] σ turbulent Prandtl number
doi:10.18245/ijaet.308418 fatcat:ygqextcgkjbpjougv7ebxxqrji