Aerodynamics of the square-back Ahmed body under rainfall conditions

TL;DR

This study experimentally investigates how rainfall affects the aerodynamics of a simplified vehicle model, revealing that rain significantly reduces base pressure drag and alters wake dynamics compared to dry conditions.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the impact of rainfall on vehicle aerodynamics, specifically on base pressure and wake behavior, which were previously less understood.

Findings

Rainfall damps mean base pressure drag.

Rain influences wake dynamics significantly.

Rain reduces aerodynamic drag compared to dry conditions.

Abstract

We report an experimental investigation about the aerodynamics of a simplified road vehicle, the so-called square-back Ahmed body, under rainfall conditions. A particular emphasis is put on the evolution of the body base pressure distribution with respect to the operating conditions. It is found that rainfall significantly damps both mean base pressure drag and wake dynamics in comparison to dry conditions.