Aerodynamics and thermodynamics of race vehicles

对道路车辆的空气动力学和热力学综合性能测试的需求越来越大。螳螂汽车公司(Mantis Automotive)是保时捷、宝马和奥迪汽车的改装和竞赛公司，该公司发现了在不损害热力学性能的情况下最大化空气动力学性能的挑战。这在高速转弯和气动偏航或侧风条件下很重要。本项目的目的是研究高速气动和热力条件的影响，其中包括侧风/偏航的影响。来自该项目的见解有可能在两个方面增强螳螂的产品线：改进的冷却系统和空气动力学部件，以及空气动力学测试服务。为了实现这一目标，申请人计划利用现有的四个三轴称重传感器开发一种高质量的增量式气动力和力矩测量系统。该系统将被整合到现有的底盘测功机结构中，以实现空气动力和热力学的综合高速测试。高质量的数据和全面的分析将提供对高速空气动力学和热力学相互关联的影响的物理洞察，包括侧风/偏航的影响。此外，螳螂可以受益于向客户提供测试概念，作为最高水平的业余赛车手和专业赛车队的低运营成本能力。来自工业界和学术界的工程师之间的合作将提供一个独特的机会，以培养和提高加拿大汽车和赛车业所需的基本技能。

There is a growing need for integrated aerodynamic and thermodynamic performance tests on road vehicles. Mantis Automotive ('Mantis'), which modifies and races Porsche, BMW and Audi cars, has identified the challenge of maximizing aerodynamic performance without jeopardizing thermodynamic performance. This is important in high speed cornering and conditions of aerodynamic yaw or crosswinds. The objective of this project is to investigate the influence of high speed aerodynamic and thermodynamic conditions which include the effects of cross-winds/yaw. The insight from the project has the potential to enhance Mantis' product line in two ways: improved cooling system and aerodynamic components, and aerodynamic testing services. To achieve this objective, the applicant plans to develop a high quality incremental aerodynamic force and moment measurement system using existing four 3-axis load cells. This system will be incorporated into the existing chassis dynamometer structure to enable integrated aerodynamic and thermodynamic high speed testing. The high quality data and comprehensive analysis will provide physical insight into the interconnected effects of high speed aerodynamics and thermodynamics including the impact of cross-winds/yaw. In addition, Mantis can benefit from providing the testing concept to customers as a low operational cost capability for amateur racers and professional race teams at the highest level. The collaboration between engineers from industry and academia will provide a unique opportunity to nurture and enhance the essential skills needed by Canada's automotive and auto racing industries.