Taylor's University College

School of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Department
Mechanical Engineering Design & Professional Skills B
May 5 to July 11, 2008

Aerodynamic Drag Reduction on a Sport Car- A wind tunnel study.

Introduction
Reduction of aerodynamic drag on vehicles is very desirable as it reduces fuel
consumption. Your company is designing a new sport car and you are requested to
evaluate and optimise the vortex generators and spoiler used. The company has a low
speed wind tunnel available.

Details of the Study

Your task include
1. Reviewing of the phenomena of aerodynamic drag on vehicles. The review should
tackle the source of drag, methods of assessing and measuring it and techniques to
reduce it.
(Although you are allowed to use Wikkipedia, your Chief Engineer would like to see
that you checked other sources for information especially Engineering Journals and
Books).
2. Building test models for the wind tunnel. Ferrari 1/28 models (sold by Shell) are
suggested. The model building process should involve a dimensional analysis study to
establish the similarity conditions between the model and the real size vehicle.
3. Performing a flow visualisation study to assess the flow structures around the model
vehicle.
4. Designing and building a rig to measure the drag inside the wind tunnel.
5. Providing design conclusions.

Reading Material
Research on Aerodynamic Drag Reduction by Vortex Generators
Masaru KOIKE, Tsunehisa NAGAYOSHI and Naoki HAMAMOTO
Available online at:
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/about_us/technology/review/e/pdf/2004/16E_03.pdf

Assessment
Project Work 45 Marks Group Effort
Report 30 Marks Individual Effort
Portfolio 15 Marks Individual Effort
Presentation & Viva 10 Marks Individual Effort
Detailed Mark Allocation
Project Work
Every group is to submit a project which could be a physical artefact or otherwise,
depending on the nature of the project assigned. The overall project is assessed as
follows.
Achievement of objectives 20 Marks
Contribution to the team 10 Marks
Innovation 5 Marks
Time management 5 Marks
Safety 5 Marks

Report
Every student is to submit a technical report outlining the work undertaken by the group,
emphasising his (her) personal involvement and contribution to the group work. This is
aimed at improving the students’ technical communication skills.
Correct Format 5 Marks
Error-Free Language 5 Marks
Effective Introduction 3 Marks
Relevant Report Body 6 Marks
Proper Discussion & Conclusions 5 Marks
Proper Figures and tables 3 Marks
Referencing 3 Marks

Portfolio
Every student will keep a Personal Portfolio. This would be a compilation of sketches,
minutes of meetings, PPC, and any other documents related to the project and prepared
by the student.
Clarity and Relevance 5 Marks
Originality 5 Marks
Effectiveness 5 Marks

Presentation & Viva

Each student will be assessed through and oral presentation and interview.
Clarity of Presentation 4 Marks
Knowledge of the Project 6 Marks