Abstract
Studies on the Ahmed body with varying slant angles remain an interesting topic, especially analyses of the flow structures and the corresponding changes in aerodynamic drag and lift in the region 25° ≤ α ≤ 30°, which are not fully understood. Physical insights in the aerodynamic performance of a simplified geometry such as the Ahmed body can improve the geometric optimization of road vehicles for fuel economy improvement. Therefore, this paper examines the three-dimensional wake dynamics of a 28° slanted Ahmed body and proposes a flow control method for its drag reduction. This slanted angle is rarely reported in the open literature. The study is conducted by applying the improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) using the SST k-ω turbulence model to solve the Navier-Stokes equations at a low Reynolds number of 1.4 × 104 based on the model height. The results reveal a flow separation at the slant surface and reattachment at the rear leading to a secondary separation. A small reverse flow develops after the first separation over the slant surface. Similarly, another minor reverse flow region is concentrated in the middle of the vertical base. However, the flow control method modifies the flow structures similar to the low-drag regime Ahmed body. The aspect ratio of the recirculation region is increased, and the reattachment at the rear end vanishes. Consequently, even at the low Reynolds number studied here, the drag is reduced by up 11%. In addition, the study employs both the time-averaged and time-resolved turbulence statistics and vortex identification methods to provide physical insights into flow modifications and drag reduction. Hence, the paper provides additional valuable information on the flow structure at low Reynolds number to the body of knowledge.
