Title: Development of a rear spoiler of a new type for mini-vans

Authors: Inchul Kim, Xin Geng, Hualei Chen

Addresses: Metacomp Technologies, 28632 Roadside Drive, #255, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, USA. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA

Abstract: To reduce aerodynamic forces on mini-vans, we have developed a rear spoiler of a new type based on the principles of fluid dynamics and through numerical computations. The aerodynamic drag as well as lift on vehicles having a bluff back can be reduced when the new spoiler is attached to them. Numerical simulations show that the aerodynamic drag and lift on a mini-van moving at 30 m/s are reduced by 5% and more than 100%, respectively, when the new spoiler is attached to it.

Keywords: mini vans; vehicle aerodynamics; rear spoiler; computational fluid dynamics; CFD; vehicle design; aerodynamic drag reduction; lift reduction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2008.021155

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2008 Vol.48 No.1/2, pp.114 - 131

Published online: 06 Nov 2008 *

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