Drag Reduction of Aftermarket Additions on an SUV
Channel: JMU ISAT
Date: 2017-07-02

Full Title: An Experimental Study on Drag Reduction of Aftermarket Additions on an SUV by Christiana Katsoulos
Advised by: Dr. Karim Altaii
Sponsors: Mark Showalter, John Wild, the JMU Machine Shop
Abstract: SUV’s main functionality includes hauling or off-roading and fuel efficiency isn’t always the main consideration in the design process. Aerodynamic considerations are usually underutilized in the design of SUV’s. The principles are typically used on race cars or sedans, and has recently been incorporated into the design of 18-wheeler trucks. SUV fuel efficiency can be improved with minor adjustments through the addition of aerodynamic features. The features used in this experimental testing include fairings attached to the back of the SUV, underside air dams, wheel covers, and/ or full underside coverage of the SUV. This project aims to test various aerodynamic features in order to identify which additions reduce drag the most and result in improved fuel efficiency. The 2006 Range Rover Sport is the SUV model used for drag reduction testing because of its common box-like shape. The testing process utilizes the wind tunnel located in the Advanced Thermal- Fluids Laboratory at James Madison University. A digital manometer with a pitot-static tube is used to measure pressure and a dynamometer is used to measure drag voltage. This data is used to analyze pressure and drag force calculations in order to obtain velocity and coefficient of drag results. The drag coefficient of the car, compared with the various additional features, will provide evidence of a drag reduction. Final results show that the addition of the front and side air dams prove to have the most significant reduction in drag. With a 20% reduction in drag, fuel efficiency is improved, therefore, customers can benefit in the long run by having a more fuel-efficient vehicle, without sacrificing the spacious design of an SUV. Customers can gain this benefit by purchasing an aftermarket eco-package, that could be offered by car manufacturing companies.