Aerodynamic Drag Reduction by Synthetic Jet: A 2D Numerical Study Around a Simplified Car

Active synthetic jet control technique is numerically examined in order to obtain an innovative flow control solution capable of significantly reducing vehicle fuel consumption. The potential of the synthetic jet is evaluate d according to a two dimensional analysis on simplified rear body of an automobile vehicle. The aerodynamic drag coefficient (C d) and the topology of the mean flow in the wake are analyzed according to two characteristic parameters, namely the momentum coe fficient and the reduced frequency. Several efficient operating configurations are identified. In the optimum configuration, at which a C d reduction of 28% is obtained, a complete reorganization of the time averaged flow topology and of the unsteady dynami cs of the wake is observed.