Rear-roof spoiler effect on the aerodynamic drag performance of a simplified hatchback model

Abstract

The effect of rear-roof spoiler on the aerodynamic drag performance of simple hatchback model has been investigated for a range of spoiler pitch angles. RANS based CFD method was utilized. Validation was done by comparing the CFD results of Ahmed model without spoiler to the experimental data. The spoiler has a beneficial influence at positive inclination angle below 5°. Above that angle, the aerodynamic drag increases with pitch angle. The mechanism of how the spoiler influences the aerodynamic drag was identified through extensive flow visualization.