Our research focuses on the aerodynamics and thermal management of road vehicles, aiming to improve energy efficiency, performance, driving experience and safety. We study the complex interactions between airflow, heat transfer, and vehicle components to better understand the underlying physics and how design choices affect aerodynamic drag, cooling performance, stability and overall vehicle efficiency. Using a combination of numerical simulations, experiments, and system-level analysis, we develop methods and technologies that support the next-generation vehicles.
We collaborate closely with the Swedish automotive industry through joint projects where real vehicle models and driving scenarios are considered.
The group’s main areas of interest are:
Drag and lift optimization
Reducing aerodynamic drag lowers energy consumption and increases driving range, while controlling lift and unsteady aerodynamic forces is essential for vehicle stability and safety.
Our work combines high-fidelity numerical simulations and wind-tunnel experiments, often performed at our industrial partners’ facilities, to improve the physical understanding of vehicle aerodynamics and support the design of more efficient vehicles. We are also exploring the use of deep learning methods to analyse large aerodynamic datasets and accelerate aerodynamic design and optimization.
Wheel aerodynamics
Wheel aerodynamics is an important aspect of road-vehicle aerodynamics, as the wheels and wheel housing contribute to a significant portion of the total aerodynamic drag. Our research investigates the complex flow structures generated by rotating wheels, including the interaction between the wheel, the ground, and the vehicle body.
We study how tyre geometry, tread pattern, rim design, and wheel-housing configuration influence aerodynamic drag, lift, and cooling airflow.
Aerodynamics and vehicle handling
Real world road conditions, such as transient crosswinds, atmospheric boundary layers and traffic can largely influence vehicle stability. We investigate how vehicle design and aerodynamic forces influence the driver’s perceived vehicle stability, particularly at high speeds.
The work combines modelling, simulation, and experimental testing to develop methods for analyzing and predicting vehicle response. By integrating aerodynamic and vehicle dynamic models, the research contributes to the development of vehicles that are both energy-efficient and safe.
Thermal management of electrified vehicles
Our research in thermal management focuses on improving the efficiency, reliability, range and comfort of road vehicles. We study how heat transfer processes interact with vehicle aerodynamics and system design to control the temperatures of key components such as engines, batteries, power electronics, braking systems and passenger cabin. The latter being a major challenge for electric vehicles in cold climates.
Brake cooling performance
A well designed braking system is essential for vehicle safety. Our work covers several key aspects of brake systems, including brake cooling performance and brake wear particle emissions, the latter of which is becoming increasingly important with the new EURO 7 regulations. The studies combine testing in specialised rigs and full vehicle trials, both of which are supported by advanced computer simulations.
Employees at Road Vehicle Aerodynamics
- Professor Emeritus, Vehicle Engineering and Autonomus Systems, Mechanical Engineering
- Assistant Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering
- Doctoral Student, Vehicle Engineering and Autonomus Systems, Mechanical Engineering
- Researcher, Vehicle Engineering and Autonomus Systems, Mechanical Engineering
- Postdoc, Vehicle Engineering and Autonomus Systems, Mechanical Engineering
Head of research group
- Assistant Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering