CFD Integration Into Design Process of Motorcycles

This work displays an integrated approach — based on both experimental and numerical analyses (CFD) — to scooter design. In the last decade the market of maxi scooters is continually increasing. Any constructor must develop new models, new design, new concepts. Due to this fast evolution, the possibility to cope aesthetics and functionality, at each step design process, may be a crucial aspects. The purpose of this work is the development of a method to take into account aerodynamic behaviour of a scooter depending on its external geometry. The analysis is mainly directed to investigate stability, safety and comfort aspects rather than aerodynamic fairness. The paper presents a methodology to integrate in the conceptual design process many aerodynamic aspects. First a parametric simplified model was created and investigated. This model is composed of few plane panels which outline a commercial scooter. The scope was the validation of the analysis method through an experimental campaign in a wind tunnel. Then, the methodology was applied to a real scooter. As a conclusion the paper points out the importance of embedding aerodynamic skills into the very initial conceptual design of a scooter, and the method proposed tries to answer to this need.