 | World Land Speed Record |
Aussie Invader 5R |
| |
| |  |  |
| the chassis | the engines | the rollcage | |
|
|
|
|
CFD or Computational Fluid Dynamics is a technology that enables us to study the dynamics of things that flow. Using CFD, we can build a computational model that represents a system or device that we want to study, in this case... Aussie Invader 5R.
CFD software gives us the power to simulate flows of gases, liquids, heat and mass transfer through computer modeling. Using CFD software, we can build a 'virtual prototype' of Aussie Invader 5R and then apply real-world physics to the model, and the software will provide us with images and data, which predict the performance of that design.
|
The computer processing needed to run the CFD modelling is massive and we have been very fortunate to have SOTO (formerly Frank Soto) as our partner in this part of the project.
|
|
| We are also very fortunate to have Dan McKeon on our project team, who worked for the Jordan Formula One team for several years. Dan has recently run some nose designs for Aussie Invader 5R and these helped in the final selection of the nose design. Click here to read his report. |
| CFD Nose Designs |
 |
|
Below are a selection of early CFD images that has allowed us to develop the design of the car.
|
|
Pressure Contour
|
|
The two images below, show a pressure plot through the length of the model, showing relatively high pressure acting upon the nose, front wheels and bottom and rear end of the car.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mach Number
|
|
These image depicts the changing mach number generated by the cars shape. The contour lines illustrate where the mach number is changing in relation to the fluids velocity. As can be seen, there is a build up around the front and rear wheel. These areas show where strong shocks will form when the vehicle goes supersonic.
|
|
|
|
|
|
This simulation below plots a 3D volume on any fluid that is at Mach 1.2. The shocks can be seen propagating from the nose, front wheel, canopy and rear section of the car.
|
|
|
|
Velocity
|
|
The following images depict the velocity of the fluid stream around the vehicle. As can be seen, there is a high velocity produced by protruding geometries such as wheels and air foils. The rear of the vehicle produces a considerable wake as does the rear wheel. Areas in red show where the fluid stream is moving quickly and thus creating pressure drag on the vehicles surfaces.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
These images from SOTO are helping us understand the areas of car that need our attention. We will never be able to make this car completely areodynamic, but we can reduce the drag as much as possible and try to make Aussie Invader as safe and precdictable as possible in this hostile and constantly changing environment.
|
|
the chassis | the engines | the rollcage |
|
|
|
|  |
|
|
