Automotive aerodynamics sensing using low-profile pressure sensor strip

Zhang, D., Subramanian, S., Hampson, R., Jackson, W., Kontis, K. , Dobie, G. and Macleod, C. (2023) Automotive aerodynamics sensing using low-profile pressure sensor strip. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 72, 2005809. (doi: 10.1109/TIM.2023.3292963)

Abstract

Measuring aerodynamics is crucial in the automotive industry as it helps engineers to optimise designs to improve vehicles’ stability and performance. Pressure sensors are widely used to measure aerodynamics. The sensors measure the pressure differences around the vehicle, as well as the pressure distribution around it. These measurements can help to determine the aerodynamic drag and lift forces acting upon the vehicle. However, traditional sensors are relatively large and can be intrusive, making them difficult to integrate into a vehicle’s design. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers a low-cost option into gathering representative pressure data, the results may be limited by the mathematic model used and other factors which often require a high level of skill to use adequately. This paper presents a novel miniature, low profile aerodynamic sensor strip for use in the automotive sector. The sensor strip is significantly smaller than conventional pressure sensors, while maintaining high levels of accuracy and precision. The compact design of the sensor strip allows for easy deployment on existing cars, and its small size minimizes the effect on the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle. The sensor’s miniature size and good performance make it a promising solution for automotive applications, such as active aerodynamic control systems. The sensor has been thoroughly tested in a wind tunnel and has been shown to accurately measure air pressure. Particle image velocimetry results showed the sensor’s impact on the airflow was below 4%. An empirical pressure measurement on a passenger car demonstrated a successful implementation in the field.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by CENSIS under project Grant CAF-1005 in collaboration with PPS UK Limited (Glasgow, U.K.).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dobie, Dr Gordon and MACLEOD, Dr Charles Norman and Kontis, Professor Konstantinos and Subramanian, Senthilkumar
• Authors: Zhang, D., Subramanian, S., Hampson, R., Jackson, W., Kontis, K., Dobie, G., and Macleod, C.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
• Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 0018-9456
• ISSN (Online): 1557-9662
• Published Online: 06 July 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement 72: 2005809
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher