Large Eddy Simulations and Acoustic Predictions in Automotive Applications

The emergence of the computational tools capable of accurately predicting the flow properties around complex geometries has opened new opportunities in the design of automotive components and their integrations. In particular, one may now be able to predict the acoustic noise produced by the unsteady fluid motion induced by the individual parts and quantitatively evaluate their loudness and spectral (i.e. frequency content) without relying on semi-empirical models. To demonstrate this capability the flow noise produced by two configurations typical of automotive applications – namely the outside rear view mirrors and the rain gutters – are examined quantitatively. Relevant details regarding the prediction methods as well as a selection of results are discussed.