AIRFLOW MEASUREMENT AT FORMULA STUDENT CAR

Abstract

: Cooling modern car is difficult topic influencing external and internal aerodynamics. Air used to cool down engine and accessories influence car drag and increase fuel consumption. Evaluating design of car is done in wind tunnel with steady conditions. Air flowing thru heat exchanger must be measured to compare models and simulation. Method for measuring air mass flow is demonstrated at Formula Student car equipped with measuring propeller located downstream of cooling fan. Pressures are measured for control and provide data which are necessary to evaluate cooling design. Recirculation is addressed and method how to deal with this effect is presented. By using air guide upstream heat exchanger air mass flow is increased at high speed and at low speed recirculation is eliminated.