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Aerodynamic engineering: CFD from trains and race cars to helicopters and aircraft
Forces, moments and flow fields for trains, cars, helicopters, aircraft, offshore platforms, buildings, bridges and ships, from low speed to supersonic. Results with CL, CD and CM, and the effect on fuel, lap time or flight envelope.
From a fuel saving of 26.9 million liters of diesel to a gain of 0.08 s on the straight, the same method, checked against wind tunnel data.
Aerodynamics track record
- Fuel saving of a covered trainPotential fuel reduction of 0.77% to 1.53%, on average about 26.9 million liters of diesel.
- Race carModifications that gain 0.05 s in braking and cornering and 0.08 s on the straight.
- Ship and helicopterFlight envelope for the landing of a helicopter on a corvette of the Brazilian Navy, with CFD++ and wind tunnel data.
- Validated solverCFD++ validated in international workshops: DPW, HLPW, IPW and the Oxford automotive workshop.
- From low speed to supersonicRegimes by Mach number, viscosity and Reynolds, with RANS, URANS and LES.
Complete studies, from the coefficients to the effect on the vehicle
We prefer whole projects to isolated simulations: ATS responsible for the model, the analysis, the comparison with tests and the report.
Drag and downforce
Coefficients and flow fields for trains, cars and aircraft, and the modifications that improve them.
Flight performance
Aerodynamic performance of aircraft and helicopters, with DATCOM+ Pro and JSBSim in the first estimates.
Wind tunnel and CFD
Tests planned and compared with the CFD++, to use fewer wind tunnel hours.
Need only a part? We define the scope with you.
What you receive
Coefficients
CL, CD and CM, and the flow fields that explain them.
Pressure and velocity fields
Pressure coefficient on the surface and streamlines.
Modifications
Geometry changes studied, with the gain of each one.
Preliminary estimates
DATCOM+ Pro and JSBSim, before the CFD.
Comparison with tests
Wind tunnels of IAE, IPT and EESC-USP.
Report
Method, results and recommendation.
How ATS calculates aerodynamics
Regimes and turbulence
The flow is classified by Mach number (from incompressible to supersonic) and by viscosity and Reynolds number. ATS chooses RANS, URANS or LES and the turbulence closure that fit the problem.
Validation of CFD++
CFD++ was validated in international workshops: DPW (drag prediction), HLPW (high lift), IPW (icing) and the Oxford automotive workshop.
Coefficients
The results are given as the coefficients of lift (CL), drag (CD) and moment (CM), from the forces integrated on the surface.
Tools for the first estimates
DATCOM+ Pro and JSBSim for fast estimates and flight dynamics, and wind tunnels (IAE, IPT, EESC-USP) for the comparison.
Tools, and where each one fits
Tools serve the engineering work. We say what each one does in the project.
| Tool | Role in the project | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CFD++ | Fluid flow, heat transfer, combustion and particles in 3D. ATS is the exclusive CFD++ representative in Brazil. | Licensed |
| Tecplot 360 EX | Post-processing and automation macros, including erosion rate calculation. | Licensed |
| DATCOM+ Pro, JSBSim | First estimates of coefficients and flight dynamics. | In use |
Evidence you can check
Work for the rail, motorsport, naval and aerospace sectors.
Project work
| Project | What we did | Tools and tests | Result or venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vale: covered freight trainProject | Influence of aerodynamic drag on the fuel consumption of iron ore transport, with and without a cover. | CFD++. | Potential fuel reduction of 0.77% to 1.53%, on average about 26.9 million liters of diesel. |
| Cimed Racing: Stock Car race carProject | Aerodynamic modifications of a race car, with downforce and drag. | CFD++, about 62 million elements, 55.56 m/s, wall function, k-ε. | Gain of 0.05 s in braking and cornering and 0.08 s on the straight. |
| Ship-helicopter operating limitsProject | Flight envelope of a helicopter landing on a corvette of the Brazilian Navy, with CASNAV. | CFD++, 32.8 million elements, k-ε, and wind tunnel. | CFD++ more conservative than the tunnel. See test supervision. |
| Other aerodynamic workProject | Light helicopters. Engine inlets and wings of combat aircraft. Aerodynamic performance of a turboprop aircraft. Air inlet of the APU of a regional jet. | CFD++. | Experience of ATS in the aerospace sector. |
Examples
Select an image to see each example.
How an engagement runs
Diagnosis and goal
We define the problem, the operating conditions and the target with your team.
Model
The geometry of the equipment is prepared and the physics that apply are chosen.
Analysis
Numerical calculation based on the applicable physical principles.
Checks and validation
Results are checked for consistency and compared with tests, plant data or the literature.
Solution and report
Design of the solution, specification of the test when needed, and the report.
Follow-up
Support in the field test or in operation, and revisions.
Related services
Questions engineers ask before they hire us
Which vehicles and structures do you study?
Trains, cars, helicopters, aircraft, platforms, buildings, bridges, race cars and ships.
How do you validate the CFD?
CFD++ was validated in the DPW, HLPW, IPW and Oxford automotive workshops, and ATS compares projects with wind tunnel data.
Do you give the coefficients?
Yes: lift (CL), drag (CD) and moment (CM), with the flow fields.
Do you also run the wind tunnel test?
ATS supervises and executes tests in the wind tunnels of IAE, IPT and EESC-USP. See test supervision.
Is our data kept confidential?
Yes. We work under NDA, and your design data and reports stay with you.
Tell us about the vehicle or structure
Send the geometry, the speeds and what you want to improve.
sales@aerothermalsolutions.co+55 11 3854-4224An ATS engineer replies. We work under NDA.