Metología para realizar pruebas aerodinámicas en prototipos a escala de vehículos de la competencia Shell Eco-Marathon

Abstract

The present proyect search develop and standardize a methodology with the objective to do aerodynamic testing in Shell Eco-Marathon vehicles, the aerodynamic optimization in this kinds of automobiles is one of the most important aspect to achieve the best score and the first positions; thus, the results of this research are will be useful in the design and optimization vehicles phases. In first instance, it does a thorough review to relevant aerodynamic concepts to measure of aerodynamic vehicle drag, design a scale prototype to be used subsonic wind tunnel testing; use different techniques to know the aerodynamic behavior of the vehicle and in turn, measure the distribution of pressure coefficients above the scale model that allow to estimate the actual vehicle drag. The prototype desing was develop by mechanical engeenering students of the Libre University, the velocity range used for the testing are 9km/h, 15 km/h y 20 km/h respectively. The experimental findings indicate that the testing methodology using scale prototype is a good tool to optimization for any vehicle model that belong to this kind of competition.