Title: Assessment and reduction of wind buffeting in an open cabriolet

Authors: R.H. Barnard, P. Monaghan

Addresses: Hatfield Polytechnic, UK. ' Formerly of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd., UK

Abstract: This paper describes an investigation into interior comfort levels related to draughtiness and wind buffet in the open cabriolet Aston Martin Virage Volante. The study involved initial wind-tunnel model tests, subsequently followed by track tests using a development prototype. Experimentation included internal air velocity and noise measurements and flow visualisation. Good correlation was found between wind-tunnel and full scale measurements, and between measured gustiness and subjective comfort. As a result of the work, some general design conclusions are drawn concerning the control of interior comfort in open cars, and integration of draught-reducing measures into their design.

Keywords: wind buffeting; open cabriolet; draught reduction; flow field; vehicle noise; pressure; prototype; wind-tunnel testing; interior comfort; ride comfort; vehicle interiors; draughtiness; internal air velocity; noise measurements; flow visualisation; open cars; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1992.061741

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1992 Vol.13 No.5/6, pp.486 - 493

Published online: 27 May 2014 *

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