%0 Journal Article %A Varney, Max %A Passmore, Martin %A Gaylard, Adrian P. %D 2018 %T Parametric study of asymmetric side tapering in constant cross wind conditions %U https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Parametric_study_of_asymmetric_side_tapering_in_constant_cross_wind_conditions/9224777 %2 https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/ndownloader/files/16804268 %K untagged %K Engineering not elsewhere classified %X Copyright © 2018 SAE International. Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) often have blunt rear end geometries for design and practicality, which is not typically aerodynamic. Drag can be reduced with a number of passive and active methods, which are generally prioritised at zero yaw, which is not entirely representative of the “on road” environment. As such, to combine a visually square geometry (at rest) with optimal drag reductions at non-zero yaw, an adaptive system that applies vertical side edge tapers independently is tested statically. A parametric study has been undertaken in Loughborough University’s Large Wind Tunnel with the ¼ scale Windsor Model. The aerodynamic effect of implementing asymmetric side tapering has been assessed for a range of yaw angles (0°, ±2.5°, ±5° and ±10°) on the force and moment coefficients. This adaptive system reduced drag at every non-zero yaw angle tested, from the simplest geometry (full body taper without wheels) to the most complex geometry (upper body taper with wheels) with varying levels of success; providing additional drag reductions from 3% to 125%. The system also shows potential to beneficially modify the cross wind stability of the geometry. %I Loughborough University