Aerodynamic Simulation of Car Bumper Products Made of Rattan Fiber Composite Material

Abstract

The development of composite materials by utilizing environmentally friendly natural fibers aims to become an alternative material to replace conventional materials. Natural fiber composite materials are continuously being developed to make automotive components. This study aims to develop a car bumper made of rattan fiber composite material combined with fiberglass. The research is focused on simulating the aerodynamics of the designed bumper. The simulation uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, with an assumed maximum speed of 120 km/h. Based on the simulation results, it is found that the maximum pressure that occurs on the surface of the bumper is 8, 421e+02 Pa, where this pressure is almost evenly distributed on the frontal surface of the front bumper. Surface pressure due to air flow when the vehicle is running at high speed certainly has an influence on the strength and rigidity of the structure of the bumper. Therefore, this study will continue with a structural strength analysis. The results of this study will be a reference for further research.