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Comprehensive CFD Aerodynamic Simulation of a Sport Motorcycle

Author

Listed:
  • Krzysztof Wiński

    (The Institute of Automatic Control and Robotics, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-525 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Adam Piechna

    (The Institute of Automatic Control and Robotics, Warsaw University of Technology, 02-525 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

Nowadays, aerodynamics is a key focal point in the vehicle design process. Beyond its direct impact on the performance of a vehicle, it also has significant effects on economics and safety. In the last decade numerical methods, mainly Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), have established themselves as a reliable tool that assists in the design process and complements classical tunnel tests. However, questions remain about the possible obtained accuracy, best practices and applied turbulence models. In this paper, we present a comprehensive study of motorcycle aerodynamics using CFD methods which, compared to the most common car aerodynamics analysis, has many specific features. The motorcycle, along with its rider, constitutes a shape with very complex aerodynamic properties. A detailed insight into the flow features is presented with detailed commentary. The front fairing, the front wheel and its suspension were identified as the main contributors to the aerodynamic drag of the motorcycle and its rider. The influence of rider position was also studied and identified as one of the most important elements when considering motorcycle aerodynamics. An extensive turbulence models study was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the most common Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes models and novel hybrid models, such as the Scale Adaptive Simulation and the Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation. Similar values of drag coefficients were obtained for different turbulence models with noticeable differences found for k − ϵ models. It was also observed that near-wall treatment affects the flow behaviour near the wheels and windshield but has no impact on the global aerodynamic parameters. In the summary, a discussion about the obtained results was set forth and a number of questions related to specifics of motorcycle CFD simulations were addressed.

Suggested Citation

  • Krzysztof Wiński & Adam Piechna, 2022. "Comprehensive CFD Aerodynamic Simulation of a Sport Motorcycle," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-27, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:16:p:5920-:d:888899
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Maciej Szudarek & Adam Piechna & Janusz Piechna, 2022. "Feasibility Study of a Fan-Driven Device Generating Downforce for Road Cars," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-27, July.
    2. Maciej Szudarek & Janusz Piechna, 2021. "CFD Analysis of the Influence of the Front Wing Setup on a Time Attack Sports Car’s Aerodynamics," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-29, November.
    3. Janusz Ryszard Piechna & Krzysztof Kurec & Jakub Broniszewski & Michał Remer & Adam Piechna & Konrad Kamieniecki & Przemysław Bibik, 2022. "Influence of the Car Movable Aerodynamic Elements on Fast Road Car Cornering," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-28, January.
    4. Janusz Piechna, 2021. "A Review of Active Aerodynamic Systems for Road Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-31, November.
    5. Alex Guerrero & Robert Castilla, 2020. "Aerodynamic Study of the Wake Effects on a Formula 1 Car," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-25, October.
    6. Takuji Nakashima & Hidemi Mutsuda & Taiga Kanehira & Makoto Tsubokura, 2020. "Fluid-Dynamic Force Measurement of Ahmed Model in Steady-State Cornering," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-20, December.
    7. Maciej Szudarek & Konrad Kamieniecki & Sylwester Tudruj & Janusz Piechna, 2022. "Towards Balanced Aerodynamic Axle Loading of a Car with Covered Wheels—Inflatable Splitter," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-28, July.
    8. Jakub Broniszewski & Janusz Ryszard Piechna, 2022. "Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of a Competitive Car during Brake-in-Turn Manoeuvre," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-16, April.
    9. Krzysztof Kurec & Konrad Kamieniecki & Janusz Piechna, 2022. "Influence of Different Plates Arrangements on the Car Body," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-17, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Borja González-Arcos & Pedro Javier Gamez-Montero, 2023. "Aerodynamic Study of MotoGP Motorcycle Flow Redirectors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-32, June.
    2. Maciej Szudarek & Adam Piechna & Piotr Prusiński & Leszek Rudniak, 2022. "CFD Study of High-Speed Train in Crosswinds for Large Yaw Angles with RANS-Based Turbulence Models including GEKO Tuning Approach," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-24, September.

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