Studies of (unsteady) vehicle aerodynamics: test rigs at DLR Göttingen

Abstract

Aerodynamics of ground vehicles are crucial for safe transportation. Studies of the aerodynamic behaviour of a vehicle are often performed with steady inflow conditions. However, real life conditions are rarely steady. In this talk I will present two test facilities at DLR Göttingen, which are capable of providing unsteady test conditions for various aerodynamic tests. The Crosswind Test Facility Göttingen is a Göttingen-type wind tunnel, which is equipped with a flap system to generate disturbances of the flow. The loads and moments on vehicles under unsteady inflow conditions can be tested depending on the frequency and amplitude of the disturbed flow. The Tunnel Simulation Facility Göttingen is a moving model rig. Unsteady and instantanious aerodynamic effects can be studied using various ground vehicles like cars or trains.