AirShaper

Sample project: https://app.airshaper.com/simulations/car-aerodynamics-9aef87
More information: https://www.airshaper.com or info@airshaper.com

In this video is a step by step explanation of how to use CFD simulations to analyze the aerodynamics of a sports car. We used the 3D model of the Aquilo concept car.

---Setup---
The AirShaper platform was used to set up the simulation. The car was oriented forward and a rotation was added to all of the wheels.

---Results---
- Pressure clouds (iso-surface for the total pressure coefficient of 0):
These illustrate where energy losses are high. This highlights the drag caused by the front splitter, mirrors, internal air channels, exposed wheels, the tail, etc.
- Pressure map: this one illustrates the pressure perpendicular to the surface. It clearly shows the pressure buildup at the front and on the exposed front wheels. It also shows the pressure reduction in locations where the air speeds up to move around a curvature.
- Friction map: this one shows the magnitude of the friction force of the air flowing parallel to the surface. When low, this can indicate either stagnation of the flow (at the front of the car for example) or separation of the flow (behind the wheels, at the front splitter, ...). The surface streamlines indicate how the air moves across the surface.
- 3D streamlines: these show how the air flows around the wind screen, underneath the car, through the internal channels, ...
- Noise: this is an estimation of the sources of wind noise. As this is a steady stage RANS simulation, it is just an approximation based on the turbulent kinetic energy.
- Elements: the flow through the radiator is visualized and the total flow rate is calculated.
- Forces: the forces on each individual element are calculated.

Aerodynamics Made Easy - Car CFD Analysis Explained | Step-by-Step Guide

Sample project: https://app.airshaper.com/simulations/vecto-base
More information: https://www.airshaper.com or info@airshaper.com

In this video is a step by step explanation of how to use CFD simulations to analyze the aerodynamics of a truck. We used the official VECTO 3D model with a tractor and trailer.

---Setup---
The AirShaper platform was used to set up the simulation. The truck is oriented forward and a rotation is added to all of the wheels.

---Results---
- Pressure clouds (iso-surface for the total pressure coefficient of 0):
These illustrate where energy losses are high. This highlights the drag caused by the mirrors, gaps in the body work, exposed wheels, structures below the trailer, the tail, etc.
- Pressure map: this one illustrates the pressure perpendicular to the surface. It clearly shows the pressure buildup at the front and on the most exposed wheels. It also shows the pressure reduction in locations where the air speeds up to move around a curvature.
- Friction map: this one shows the magnitude of the friction force of the air flowing parallel to the surface. When low, this can indicate either stagnation of the flow (at the front of the truck for example) or separation of the flow (behind the wheels, at the rear of the trailer, ...). The surface streamlines indicate how the air moves across the surface.
- 3D streamlines: these show how the air flows around the tractor, below the trailer, ..;
- Noise: this is an estimation of the sources of wind noise. As this is a steady stage RANS simulation, it is just an approximation based on the turbulent kinetic energy.
- Elements: the flow through the radiator is visualized and the total flow rate is calculated.
- Forces: the forces on each individual element are calculated.

Aerodynamics Made Easy - Truck CFD Analysis Explained | Step-by-Step Guide

Sample project: https://app.airshaper.com/simulations/dji-phantom-public-3d-model-simulation
More information: https://www.airshaper.com or info@airshaper.com

In this video is a step by step explanation of how to use CFD simulations to analyze the aerodynamics of a drone. We used a public 3D model of the DJI Phantom, with some modifications (custom propellers).

---Setup---
The AirShaper platform was used to set up the simulation. The drone is pitched forward and a rotational speed has been added to the propellers.

---Results---
- Pressure clouds (iso-surface for the total pressure coefficient of 0):
These illustrate where energy losses are high. This highlights the drag caused by the landing gear, the camera, slots in the airframe, ... and of course the propellers themselves.
- Pressure map: this one illustrates the pressure perpendicular to the surface. It clearly shows the pressure on the support arms in the wake of the propellers, the suction & pressure side of the blades, the stagnation pressure on the camera, ...
- Friction map: this one shows the magnitude of the friction force of the air flowing parallel to the surface. When low, this can indicate either stagnation of the flow (on the camera, ...) or separation of the flow. The surface streamlines indicate how the air moves across the surface.
- 3D streamlines: these show how the air flows around the airframe, the support beams, through the propeller area, etc.
- Noise: this is an estimation of the sources of wind noise. As this is a steady stage RANS simulation, it is just an approximation based on the turbulent kinetic energy.
- Elements: the flow lines through the propellers are visualized. Also, the torque, power and thrust on the propellers can be analyzed by integrating the pressure & friction forces across their surface.
- Forces: the forces on each individual element are calculated.

Aerodynamics Made Easy - Drone CFD Analysis Explained | Step-by-Step Guide

For more information, visit:
https://www.airshaper.com
https://www.nasa.gov/ames/
https://www.nasa.gov/aeronautics/what-is-the-vertical-motion-simulator/

In this video, we got a personal tour at the NASA AMES Research Center. We sat inside the Vertical Motion Simulator, which was originally designed & build to train the pilots of the Space Shuttle for their landing.

It can move 40 ft horizontally and 60 ft vertically and accelerate at up to 0.8 G. All this to allow for the simulation of different flight phases - take-off, cruise and landing.

They have 5 different cabs, representing different types of aircraft & spacecraft. It is often used for Air Taxis and Urban Transportation Concepts these days, including eVTOLs (electric vertical take off and landing aircraft). They also have a cab to simulate landing on the moon and on Mars.

Other than that, we got to see world's largest wind tunnel (with a 120x80 ft test section) and Hangar One, where they built the US Macon, an airship from the 1930s.

A massive thanks to NASA for organizing this visit!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The AirShaper videos cover the basics of aerodynamics (aerodynamic drag, drag & lift coefficients, boundary layer theory, flow separation, reynolds number...), simulation aspects (computational fluid dynamics, CFD meshing, ...) and aerodynamic testing (wind tunnel testing, flow visualization, ...).

We then use those basics to explain the aerodynamics of (race) cars (aerodynamic efficiency of electric vehicles, aerodynamic drag, downforce, aero maps, formula one aerodynamics, ...), drones and airplanes (propellers, airfoils, electric aviation, eVTOLS, ...), motorcycles (wind buffeting, motogp aerodynamics, ...) and more!

For more information, visit www.airshaper.com

Landing on the Moon - Inside NASA's Vertical Motion Simulator at the AMES Research Center

For more information, visit https://www.airshaper.com and https://www.aptera.us

Filmed October 2023.

Dive into the future of sustainable transportation with our in-depth exploration of the Aptera, the solar-powered electric vehicle redefining aerodynamics and efficiency. Join us as we go behind the wheel for a test drive and gain exclusive insights from the CEO on how this groundbreaking vehicle is crafted to harness solar energy for unprecedented range and performance.

In this video, you'll discover the unique design features that set the Aptera apart, from its ultra-lightweight structure to its advanced aerodynamics. We delve into the science that makes it possible for the Aptera to travel further with less energy, all powered by the sun.

Whether you're a car enthusiast, an advocate for green technologies, or simply curious about the next big thing in automotive innovation, this video is your gateway to understanding how the Aptera is driving us towards a cleaner, more efficient future.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with others who dream of a sustainable automotive future. Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know what other innovative technologies you’d like us to explore next!

Behind the Wheel: CEO Insights and Aerodynamics of the Solar-Powered Aptera

For more information, visit:
https://www.airshaper.com
https://www.nasa.gov/armstrong/capabilities-facilities/aircraft-at-armstrong/x-planes-at-armstrong/

---

We had the fortune to visit NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at the Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave dessert. This place is home to the development of NASA's X-planes or experimental planes. This includes:
- The Bell X1 - the first plane to break through the sound barrier at level flight
- The Blackbird SR71 - capable of flying at Mach 3.5
- The X15 - capable of flying at Mach 6.7
and many more!

After the initial introduction & tour by Sarah Mann, we interviewed Sean Clarke, Principal Investigator for X-57 Maxwell Electric Aircraft Research Platform.

Despite the project being shut down, there are a ton of learnings for the eVTOL (electric Vertical Take Off and Landing) industry. They have modified the aerodynamics, worked with foldable propellers, distributed propulsion, designed their own battery system and so on.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The AirShaper videos cover the basics of aerodynamics (aerodynamic drag, drag & lift coefficients, boundary layer theory, flow separation, reynolds number...), simulation aspects (computational fluid dynamics, CFD meshing, ...) and aerodynamic testing (wind tunnel testing, flow visualization, ...).

We then use those basics to explain the aerodynamics of (race) cars (aerodynamic efficiency of electric vehicles, aerodynamic drag, downforce, aero maps, formula one aerodynamics, ...), drones and airplanes (propellers, airfoils, electric aviation, eVTOLS, ...), motorcycles (wind buffeting, motogp aerodynamics, ...) and more!

For more information, visit www.airshaper.com

NASA X-planes - Inside NASA's research center at Edwards Air Force Base - with interview!

For more information, visit
https://www.airshaper.com
https://www.ucla.edu/
https://www.shellecomarathon.com/

This lecture covers:

Basics of aerodynamics:
- laminar versus turbulent flow
- pressure drag and friction drag
- drag coefficients
- Reynolds number
- Boundary layers
- Flow separation

Basics of CFD (computational fluid dynamics)
- Modelling
- Meshing & discretization
- Iteration

Basics of wind tunnels:
- Components (fan, diffuser, turning vanes, settling chamber, honey combs, screens, test section)
- Blockage factor
- Wall effects
- Scaled model testing
- Force measurements
- PIV (particle image velocimetry)

Discussion of the UCLA eco marathon design

Shell Eco Marathon - Aerodynamics course at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)

For more information visit:
- AirShaper: https://www.airshaper.com
- Sample project: https://app.airshaper.com/projects/tesla-cybertruck-public-3d-model
- Tesla: https://www.tesla.com


In this video, we analyzed the design changes on the Tesla Cybertruck since the first concept was launched. Earlier, we had used a public 3D model off the internet for a "quick & dirty" CFD analysis. However flawed that approach was, it did highlight both the pros and cons:
- The base profile allows for very good pressure recovery and thus low drag
- The sharp edges need careful execution to avoid excessive flow separation & drag (and noise)

In this video, we used our old analysis and compared it to the design updates we spotted:
- Air deflectors ahead of the front wheels
- Rounded front bumper
- Increased gap between upper & lower bumper
- Flush headlights
- Limited offset between roof and side windows
- Windscreen wiper design


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The AirShaper videos cover the basics of aerodynamics (aerodynamic drag, drag & lift coefficients, boundary layer theory, flow separation, reynolds number...), simulation aspects (computational fluid dynamics, CFD meshing, ...) and aerodynamic testing (wind tunnel testing, flow visualization, ...).

We then use those basics to explain the aerodynamics of (race) cars (aerodynamic efficiency of electric vehicles, aerodynamic drag, downforce, aero maps, formula one aerodynamics, ...), drones and airplanes (propellers, airfoils, electric aviation, eVTOLS, ...), motorcycles (wind buffeting, motogp aerodynamics, ...) and more!

For more information, visit www.airshaper.com

Tesla Cybertruck Aerodynamics - Production version updates

Improving MotoGP aerodynamics using CFD simulations - The Dotto Creations - AirShaper MotoGP Challenge - Aero Update 2

https://www.dottocreations.com/
https://www.airshaper.com/

General information: https://airshaper.com/motogp-aerodynamics-challenge
Aero update 2 (with wings on the bodywork): https://app.airshaper.com/projects/dotto-creations-airshaper-motogp-challenge-aero-update-2
Aero update 3: https://app.airshaper.com/projects/dotto-creations-airshaper-motogp-challenge-aero-update-3

For the third aero update, we had modified:
- the tire cross section
- aerodynamic cover of the front suspension
- central air intake
- tail section

Results:
- Less aerodynamic drag!
- Slightly less downforce, but manageable
- More attached flow on the bodywork

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The AirShaper videos cover the basics of aerodynamics (aerodynamic drag, drag & lift coefficients, boundary layer theory, flow separation, reynolds number...), simulation aspects (computational fluid dynamics, CFD meshing, ...) and aerodynamic testing (wind tunnel testing, flow visualization, ...).

We then use those basics to explain the aerodynamics of (race) cars (aerodynamic efficiency of electric vehicles, aerodynamic drag, downforce, aero maps, formula one aerodynamics, ...), drones and airplanes (propellers, airfoils, electric aviation, eVTOLS, ...), motorcycles (wind buffeting, motogp aerodynamics, ...) and more!

For more information, visit www.airshaper.com and https://www.dottocreations.com/

Our Latest Videos

Gain aerodynamic insight by watching our videos