Assessment and reduction of wind buffeting in an open cabriolet. (4th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barnard, R.H.; Monaghan, P.
• Is Part Of: International journal of vehicle design. Volume 13:Number 5/6(1992)
• Page Start: 486
• Page End: 493
• Publication Date: 2014-08-04
• Subjects: wind buffeting -- open cabriolet -- draught reduction -- flow field -- vehicle noise -- pressure -- prototype -- wind–tunnel testing -- interior comfort -- ride comfort -- vehicle interiors -- draughtiness -- internal air velocity -- noise measurements -- flow visualisation -- open cars -- vehicle design; Motor vehicles -- Design and construction -- Periodicals; 629.231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-3369

Abstract

This paper describes an investigation into interior comfort levels related to draughtiness and wind buffet in the open cabriolet Aston Martin Virage Volante. The study involved initial wind–tunnel model tests, subsequently followed by track tests using a development prototype. Experimentation included internal air velocity and noise measurements and flow visualisation. Good correlation was found between wind–tunnel and full scale measurements, and between measured gustiness and subjective comfort. As a result of the work, some general design conclusions are drawn concerning the control of interior comfort in open cars, and integration of draught–reducing measures into their design.