Wheel Rim Tyre CFD Modelling

Abstract

[EN] Computational Fluid Dynamics calculations to assess the effectivity of the different modelling options available in STAR-CCM in accurately representing the real flow field around a rotating wheel for automotive applications

[ES] In this thesis different modelling approaches are used in order to assess which one provides the highest accuracy in the calculation of the flow around a rotating wheel. Steady calculations are considered as the rotating boundary conditions, while the unsteady calculations are performed using the sliding mesh approach and the overset meshing technique. However, applying the overset meshing technique gave many issues so a realistic calculation using this method could not be made. A baseline geometry based on Fackrell’s work [1] is used so that the numerical results can be compared to experimental data. The sliding mesh approach is shown to provide the highest accuracy but at a computational cost much higher than the RBC, which produces errors lower than 7%. A grooved tyre has been simulated at the same conditions, but also at different yaw angles to anaylse the effect on the flow structure. A more detailed rim is also introduced to assess the behaviour of the sliding mesh method. Finally, analysis on the optimum size of the contact patch is performed so that maximum accuracy can be achieved.