New research to understand and improve high speed comfort

On Friday March 31, Adam Brandt will defend his PhD thesis Unsteady aerodynamic effects on the driving stability of passenger vehicles. The research project is a collaboration between CEVT and Chalmers University of Technology.

The project started in 2018 with the intention to investigate the effects of unsteady aerodynamics on driving stability. Adam has performed his research using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, vehicle dynamics simulations, wind tunnel experiments, tests at Hällered proving ground and tests in the CEVT driver simulator.

“This research will significantly improve how CEVT can develop comfortable energy-efficient mobility at higher speeds and in crosswind conditions. We will be able to set new types of high-quality targets for aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics. It will also improve customer satisfaction in these challenging driving conditions.” says research project leader Dr. John Bergström, Team Leader Advanced Engineering & Industrial PhD at the Energy & Environmental department at CEVT.

The thesis creates an understanding of the underlying physics and coupling effects between the disciplines to set better engineering requirements for future products.

“My thesis aims to gain insights into the interdisciplinary physics between aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics and to develop virtual tools for assessing driving stability in early design phases. The research outcomes will help us design vehicles less sensitive to crosswinds and to solve high speed stability issues while keeping the aerodynamic drag low – creating energy-efficient and stable vehicles. The work has also extended our capabilities into finding and evaluating novel exterior design features in CFD that lead to real subjective improvements on the test track.” says PhD Student Adam Brandt at the CEVT Energy & Environmental department.

The thesis project is connected to CEVT’s strategic objective of developing world-leading mobility offers.

“All of our platform developments have prioritized vehicle stability and occupant protection.  As a result, vehicle dynamics management and automated driving are two strategic areas for CEVT. This PhD work makes a major contribution to our ongoing R&D” says Shafiq Urréhman, manager CEVT Research Council.

 

More information on how to join the defense of Adam Brandt’s thesis on Friday March 31:

Adam Brandt, Division of Vehicle Engineering and Autonomous Systems, defends his PhD thesis | Chalmers

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