Aerodynamics Design of a Motor Tricycle

Authors

  • Giwa Reagan Iziomo Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
  • Obiajulu Vincent Ogwuagwu Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Keywords:

Lift, form drag, ground clearance, skin friction, streamline, velocity, pressure, carbon fiber, coefficient of drag

Abstract

This work is on the aerodynamics design of the body and frame of a motor tricycle using SolidWorks 2011 modeling system. Its Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) feature was used to run simulation tests at a target speed of 150 km/h to evaluate the aerodynamic performance of the tricycle. Simulation results presented shows that lift and drag forces are diminished considerably and that 170 km/h is the maximum speed to be travelled by the tricycle for a smooth and stable ride. Also, the design reduced drastically the effects of lift and drag forces, increased the tricycle’s stability, traction and performance as well as minimized the weight of the tricycle as a result of the use of high performance to mass ratio materials such as carbon fiber for the body and alloy steel for the frame and rims.

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Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2012): July 2012

Section

Articles