Upgrade of the Volvo Cars Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel

Johan Sternéus; Tim Walker; Trevor Bender

doi:10.4271/2007-01-1043

2007-04-16

Upgrade of the Volvo Cars Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel 2007-01-1043

The aerodynamic wind tunnel at Volvo Cars, known as the PVT, was recently upgraded to a moving ground wind tunnel to improve simulation quality. The moving ground simulation system consists of a 5-belt rolling road system (a centre belt and four wheel drive units). Flow simulation has also been improved by a new boundary layer control (BLC) system with a basic suction scoop, large distributed suction areas and aft belt tangential blowing. In addition, the wind tunnel main fan motor has been up-graded from 2.3 MW to 5 MW to provide a wind speed of 250 km/h in the full test section. Previously, 250 km/h was achieved only by installing inserts to reduce the test section area.

The present paper provides an outline of the design features, philosophy of the new systems, aerodynamic calibration and commissioning results.

SAE MOBILUS

Subscribers can view annotate, and download all of SAE's content. Learn More »

Access SAE MOBILUS »

Digital $37.00 Print $37.00

Preview Document

We also recommend:

Standards

SAE Mobilus®

Publications

News

Events

Professional Development

A World in Motion (PreK-12)

Participate with SAE

SAE Membership

Donate

Upgrade of the Volvo Cars Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel 2007-01-1043

SAE MOBILUS