Aerodynamic Performance Analysis of a Bobsleigh Body Shape

Aerodynamic performance of a bobsleigh is one of the most important factors in reducing the race time. In this study, an investigation on the aerodynamic characteristics of a bobsleigh has been performed using three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with the k-ε turbulence model. An unstructured tetrahedral grid system was constructed in the computational domain, and the optimal number of grids was selected through a grid-dependency test. The major axis length and thickness of ellipse-shaped front bumper, and the radii of the cowling on side and front views, were selected as four geometric parameters to be tested, and the drag coefficient was considered as an aerodynamic performance parameter. It was found that the drag coefficient was more sensitive to the thickness of the front bumper and the radius of the cowling on side view of the bobsleigh than on the other parameters.