MODELLING AND PERFORMING FLOW SIMULATION ON TESLA CYBERTRUCK
AIM -
MODELLING AND PERFORMING FLOW SIMULATION ON TESLA CYBERTRUCK
OBJECTIVE -
TO ANALYZE THE RESULTS BY PERFORMING FLOW SIMULATION AT THREE DIFFERENT VELOCITIES
INTRODUCTION -
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical analysis and data structures to analyze and solve problems that involve fluid flows. Computers are used to perform the calculations required to simulate the free-stream flow of the fluid, and the interaction of the fluid (liquids and gases) with surfaces defined by boundary conditions. With high-speed supercomputers, better solutions can be achieved, and are often required to solve the largest and most complex problems. Ongoing research yields software that improves the accuracy and speed of complex simulation scenarios such as transconic or turbulent flows. Initial validation of such software is typically performed using experimental apparatus such as wind tunnels. In addition, previously performed analytical or empirical analysis of a particular problem can be used for comparison. A final validation is often performed using full-scale testing, such as flight tests.
CFD is applied to a wide range of research and engineering problems in many fields of study and industries, including aerodynamics and aerospace analysis, weather simulation, natural science and environmental engineering, industrial system design and analysis, biological engineering, fluid flows and heat transfer, and engine and combustion analysis.
Flow simulation is a form of computational fluid dynamics which digitally replicates flows in surface water or collection systems. Performing flow simulation allows for the prediction and analysis of how a flow might be impacted by complex geometry in an operational environment. Flow simulation is not limited to liquids and may be applied to gases as well. Flow simulation is especially useful in trenchless applications to predict how a system will behave in low and high use situations, such as dry vs. storm weather simulations for drainage systems.
Flow simulation can be used to identify and develop solutions and methods, as well as predict the effect of changes to a system. At times, however, the observed flow may differ from simulated flows. In these cases the estimated flow simulation needs to be updated with measured data. In trenchless technology, flow simulation may not be needed where there are no known flow problems or when problems are expected to be solved using techniques that do not impact the flow capacity or behavior of the system.
TESLA - Tesla, Inc. (formerly Tesla Motors, Inc.) is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company based in Palo Alto California. The company specializes in electric vehicle manufacturing, battery energy storage from home to grid scale and, through its acquisition of solarcity, solar panel and solar roof tail manufacturing.
CYBERTRUCK - The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric, battery-powered, light commerical vehicle launched by Elon Musk’s Tesla, Inc. Three models have been announced, with EPA range estimates of 250–500 miles (400–800 km) and an estimate 0-60mph, of 2.9–6.5 seconds, depending on the model.The stated goal of Tesla in developing the Cybertruck is to provide a sustainable-energy substitute for the roughly 6,500 fossil-fuel-powered trucks sold per day in the United States.
CASE STUDY -
Basically, a 3D model was made in solidwork using sketch tool , surface feature , thicken feature . Then the model was given fillet at required surfaces for smooth flow.
Above is the diagram of tesla cybertruck made using approximate dimension . After completing the model a external flow simulation was runned where flow was air with end time as 0.001 sec . So, we have considered three velocities for studying the flow through tesla cybertruck. First velocity was 200m/s , second was 400m/s , third was 600m/s .
So , the first step was mesh generation on the model . Here the grid refinement was state to 3 and then the simulation was runned. After the solver was completed we the made cutplot for velocities , pressure and flow trajectory .
Here , we will see each of flow through the cybertruck in three different cases. Case 1 - the flow of velocity is 200m/s . Case 2 - the flow of velocity is 400/s , case 3 - the flow of velocity is 600m/s.
CASE 1 - Velocity plot - When the flow of velocity is 200m/s
Above diagram is the flow through the cybertruck at velocity 200m/s. If we look at the upper part of the model we can the mesh refinement applied over there. This is basically done floe smooth flow of the air . Here we can see that the velocity at the impact is not high around 89m/s and as it passes through the upper top it is maintained the same. The maximum velocity is 232.57m/s and the minimum velocity is 18m/s.
Pressure plot -
Above is cut plot of pressure that is occured through the air flow through the cyberrtruck. The pressure at the start is around 119385.89 Pa .
Flow trajectory -
Above diagram is the brief explanation of how the flow occured through the flowlines and also the flowlines meets after the passing the cybertruck.
CASE 2 - Velocity plot - When the flow of velocity is 400m/s
Above diagram is the flow through the cybertruck at velocity 400m/s. If we look at the upper part of the model we can see the mesh refinement applied over there. This is basically done smooth flow of the air . Here we can see that the velocity at the impact is not high around 200m/s and as it passes through the upper top it is maintained the same. The maximum velocity is 518.62m/s and the minimum velocity is 57.62m/s.
Pressure plot -
Here the pressure at the impact is quite high 241732.18 Pa. the pressure is also smooth through the cybertruck.
Flow trajectory -
Above diagram is the brief explanation of how the flow occured through the flowlines and also the flowlines meets after the passing the cybertruck.
CASE 3 - Velocity plot - When the flow of velocity is 600m/s
At the higher velocity i.e., 600m/s we see a good flow through cybertruck. Basically whenever we have to do flow simulation we must have a greater velocity. Here above the velocity at the impact is quite normal around 331m/s but gradualy increases.The maximum velocity here we see is 751.8m/s and the lowest is 95m/s.
Pressure plot -
Here the pressure at the impact is quite high 241732.18 Pa. the pressure is also smooth through the cybertruck.
Flow trajectory -
Above diagram is the brief explanation of how the flow occured through the flowlines and also the flowlines meets after the passing the cybertruck.
CONCLUSION -
From the above case study we can conclude that higher the velocity the flow can be more smooth and increasing the mesh grid refinement a steady and proper flow can be seen . In above result we see the three different velocities and final results.