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Old 05-11-2009, 01:31 PM   #17 (permalink)
albcem
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dcb View Post
I don't know the options yet. Wanted to simulate some kammback/fairing options and was looking at openfoam just yesterday and saying "damn this is tricky"

But the problem of course is much bigger, as first I have to scan my vehicle in (like some diy 3d laser scanner), preferrably with someone in the drivers seat, then can start tweaking the aerodyamics.

But would like to find something visually oriented too.
Well, not to defend my position, CFD is no joke and often requires MS/PhD level knowledge in fluid dynamics, applied mathematics and computer science. If one wants to utilize an open source package like OpenFOAM, "tricky" becomes an understatement as it is not a black box type of application.

Scanning is definitely another issue. I have worked in the automotive industry for 5 years and $ cost is quite steep for a good scanning job. If you are thinking of modding a production vehicle design, I would recommend you to look into 3D Mesh databases online to see if there is a descent reproduction of the external shape. I resorted to this method for a Mazda 6 vehicle for an article I published in a magazine and I was within less than 5% for Cd! May be I was a little bit lucky, but what matters is to prove your concept relative to an initial unmodified design (we call it looking at deltas in the industry). So absolute numbers may not matter that much...

Cem

Cem
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