Numerical Study of Crosswind Stability of a Simplified Car in Gusty Wind

Paper in proceeding, 2010

This paper present large eddy simulations of flow around a simplified vehicle model oscillating around its vertical axis. The frequency of St=0.068 and relatively small amplitude of the oscillation are chosen to be representative for the crosswind conditions of vehicles on the road. The results were found to agree well with data from previous experimental investigation. Furthermore, the differences in LES flows between quasi-steady and dynamic flow conditions are presented and underlying flow mechanisms are explored. The cause for phenomena of hysteresis and phase shift was found in the inertia of the flow to adjust to sudden changes in direction of the oscillation of the body.