Numerical Investigation of Crossflow Separation on the A-Pillar of a Passenger Car

Abstract

The flow around passenger cars is characterized by many different separation structures, typically leading to vortices and areas of reversed flow. The flow phenomena in these patches show a strong interaction and the evolution of flow structures is difficult to understand from a physical point of view. Analyzing surface properties, such as pressure, vorticity, or shear stress, helps to identify different phenomena, but still it is not well understood how these are created. This paper investigates the crossflow separation (CFS) on the A-pillar of a passenger car using numerical simulations. It is discussed how the CFS and the resulting A-pillar vortex can be identified as well as how it is created. Additionally, the vortex strength is determined by its circulation to understand and discuss how the vortex preserves until it merges with the rear wake of the vehicle.