INTEGRATING HOLLOW PASSAGE DESIGNS FOR IMPROVED AERODYNAMICS AND FIRE SAFETY IN REAR ENGINE VEHICLES

Abstract

A hollow passage provided in the vehicle, extended from the front air point to the rear part of the vehicle helps in improving the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance. This design feature focuses on the integration of the aerodynamic feature into the vehicle design, assessed through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for velocity, streamline, and static pressure characteristics which reduces the vehicles drag force and improves the fuel consumption and enhances the optimum engine cooling for fire safety. This hollow passage can be of any design shapes and sizes.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The invention falls within the field of automotive, specifically focusing on the design modifications to enhance the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicles. The innovation introduces a hollow passage integrated into the structure of rear-mounted engine buses, aimed at reducing drag force, improving engine cooling and enhancing overall vehicle efficiency.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[002] The curved front section of the vehicle allows the airflow to adhere to the surfaces for the full length of the vehicle, additional pressure recovery occurs, and the base pressures rise, reducing drag. But still the vehicle lags in aerodynamic drag and cause for this is the vehicle shape and curves of body parts.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[003] This Invention is on improving the aerodynamic efficiency of a vehicle, which is a critical focus for automotive engineers, particularly in the design of buses, trucks and cars, where in reducing the vehicle drag can significantly impact fuel consumption and overall vehicle performance. The objects and advantages of the Invention are listed below:
[004] 1. The modified bus model exhibited a significant reduction in drag force.
[005] 2. The drag co-efficient was reduced, contributing to better aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency.
[006] 3. The design modifications improved airflow around the engine, leading to better cooling and increased fire safety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] Traditional bus designs have shown that the rear-mounted engine configuration can create areas of high drag, especially at the rear of the vehicle. This not only reduces fuel efficiency but also leads to higher engine temperatures, which can compromise engine performance and increase the risk of fire.
[008] To address these issues, various aerodynamic modifications have been explored, such as rear spoilers, side skirts, and engine compartment ventilation systems. However, these solutions often provide limited improvements and may not fully address the challenges associated with the unique airflow patterns in rear-mounted engine buses.
[009] This study presents an analysis of the aerodynamic performance of rear-mounted engine buses, comparing a standard bus model with a modified design that features a hollow passage extending from the front air peak point to the rear engine. The analysis, conducted using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), assessed velocity, streamline, and static pressure characteristics, aiming to reduce drag force, improve engine cooling, and enhance fire safety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS
[010] The detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The reference number's left-most digit identifies the figure in which the reference appears for the first time. The use of the same reference number in multiple figures indicates that the items are similar or identical. Noted.
[011] The view in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrates the rear mounted engine bus with hollow passage. Figure 1 displays the front view and figure 2 displays the side view and figure 3 displays the top view of the bus with marked rectangular passage as 1.
[012] The view in Figure 1, illustrates the hollow passage (1) which is provided on the front panel (8) of the vehicle and in between the head lamp (2) and below the floor (4) and windshield (3) which is mentioned in the picture for reference purpose.
[013] The view in Figure 2, illustrates the hollow passage (1) which is provided on the front panel (8) of the vehicle and pass through the entire bus under the floor (4) and channel exit at the rear engine cubical (5), where in the fresh air enters from the front and pass through the channel under the floor and removes the engine temperature which is accumulated in the engine cubical (5) and exit from the rear panel (9) to the atmosphere. Where in the seat (6) is located above the floor (4) and the hollow passage (1) is provided below the floor (4).
[014] The view in Figure 3, illustrates the hollow passage (1) which is straight and narrow pass through the front to the engine cabin (5) and exit in the rear end of the vehicle.
[015] The embodiment of this invention is particularly suitable for application in rear-mounted engine buses, offering a comprehensive solution that integrates aerodynamic efficiency, fuel savings, and enhanced safety features. This design also contributes to enhanced engine cooling by directing airflow more effectively around the engine compartment. The improved cooling capacity reduces the risk of engine overheating and subsequent fire hazards, making the vehicle safer for operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] The invention presents a novel aerodynamic design featuring a rectangular hollow passage (1) integrated into the rear-mounted engine (7) bus structure to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and engine cooling. The view in Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate the bus with the rectangular hollow passage (1).
[017] The hollow passage (1) is strategically integrated into the bus design, extending from the front air peak point to the rear engine (7) compartment (5). This passage (1) is engineered to streamline airflow through the bus, minimizing turbulence and reducing drag.
[018] The passage (1) is embedded within the bus body structure below the floor (4), ensuring alignment with the vehicle's natural airflow patterns. The design of the passage (1) maintains the structural integrity of the bus while optimizing aerodynamic performance.
[019] The bus body is modified to incorporate the hollow passage (1) without compromising strength or durability. Materials used for both the bus body and the passage are selected to endure the high-speed airflow stresses and ensure long-term performance.
[020] The design process was extensively validated through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations under optimized conditions. These simulations were crucial in assessing and refining the airflow characteristics to ensure that the passage effectively reduces drag and enhances engine cooling.
[021] The inclusion of the hollow passage (1) results in a significant reduction in aerodynamic drag, with a 27.7% decrease in drag force. This reduction translates into improved fuel efficiency and enhanced engine cooling, thereby boosting overall vehicle performance and safety. Additionally, the lower engine compartment (5) temperatures achieved through this design will help to mitigate the risk of engine fires, making this innovation a substantial advancement in rear-mounted engine (7) bus design.
[022] The results demonstrated that the modified bus model achieved a 27.7% reduction in drag force, leading to improved fuel efficiency. Moreover, the enhanced airflow through the hollow passage (1) significantly lowered engine (7) temperatures, thereby reducing fire risks. The findings were validated through virtual wind tunnel tests using CFD, confirming the effectiveness of this design modification in improving the aerodynamic performance of rear-mounted engine buses. , C , Claims:[023] 1. A rear-mounted engine (7) bus design, comprising a hollow passage (1) provided in the vehicle, extended from the front air point to the rear part of the vehicle helps in improving the vehicle's aerodynamic performance. This design feature focuses on the integration of the aerodynamic feature into the vehicle design, assessed through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for velocity, streamline, and static pressure characteristics which reduces the vehicles drag force and improves the fuel consumption and enhances the optimum engine cooling for fire safety.
[024] 2. The hollow passage (1) of claim 1 can be of any design shapes and sizes. The larger the area it will be better wrt to efficiency.
[025] 3. The hollow passage (1) of claim 1 to be straight from the front panel (8) of the vehicle to the rear panel (9) of the vehicle.
[026] 4. The hollow passage (1) of claim 1 starts from the front panel (8) of the vehicle and connects to the engine cubical (5) and engine (7) and get exit at the rear panel (9) of the vehicle.
[027] 5. The hollow passage (1) of claim 1 can be any material type where in which it should withstand the corrosion, wear and tear and should possess better toughness and durability.
[028] 6. The hollow passage (1) of claim 1 to be passed under the vehicle floor (4) or the passenger seat (6)

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