University of Twente Student Theses
Development of a High-Precision Measurement Setup for Evaluating Exceedingly Small Skin Friction Drag of Tires in a Wind Tunnel Environment
Wolf, G.J. de (2024) Development of a High-Precision Measurement Setup for Evaluating Exceedingly Small Skin Friction Drag of Tires in a Wind Tunnel Environment.
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| Abstract: | This study investigates the influence of various tire sidewall textures and the addition of a flash around the tire on the measured drag coefficient using a mass-spring system in a controlled wind tunnel environment. The primary objective is to isolate and quantify the skin friction drag induced by different tire textures or the addition of a flash, eliminating the effects of pressure drag and other external factors. A one-degree-of- freedom (1-DOF) mass-spring system with leaf springs was employed to ensure unidirectional movement and accurate force measurements. The setup included a stable, low-weight moving table made from Blocan pieces to support different tire sizes, ranging from small to large, each tested at six predefined airspeeds (0km/h, 42km/h, 64km/h, 86km/h, 109km/h, and 130km/h). Calibration of the system was achieved using a load cell and a Multi-Channel Amplifier, ensuring high sensitivity and precision in low-force ranges. Data analysis, performed using Matlab, involved normalizing the measurements to ensure consistent starting points across all plots. The results highlighted the effects of tire texture and design on drag force, demonstrating the importance of precise measurement setups and material choices in aerodynamic testing. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the aerodynamic properties of tire sidewalls, with implications for improving vehicle performance and fuel efficiency. The results show a clear relation between texture roughness and the skin friction drag coefficient. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Subject: | 52 mechanical engineering |
| Programme: | Advanced Technology BSc (50002) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/103742 |
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