On the wake of an isolated rotating wheel: An experimental and numerical investigation

The wake of an isolated, rotating wheel a geometry typical those used in open-wheel motorsport, is investigated. CFD validated by comparing the data gathered from this method with PIV wind tunnel experiments, where analysis showed good agreement between two methods. A comparison mean and instantaneous flow-fields obtained shows significant differences topology. time-averaged illustration flow inverted “T” shape, consists pair upper lower counter-rotating vortices that merge downstream, being dominant. follows same fundamental but incoherent macro-scale eddies, together these deformed state. Analysis unsteadiness via proper orthogonal decomposition reveals transverse vertical velocity fluctuations. fluctuations are driven both contraction expansion contact patch instability merged vortex eventually lead to flapping motion bulk wake. also leads vortex-induced downwash region.