Aerodynamic Analysis of Bio-Inspired Car Vortex Generator Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Jiarui Zhang

doi:10.54254/2755-2721/2026.KA27337

Applied and Computational EngineeringOpen access

Aerodynamic Analysis of Bio-Inspired Car Vortex Generator Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Research Article

Open Access

Aerodynamic Analysis of Bio-Inspired Car Vortex Generator Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Jiarui Zhang ^1*

¹ EHS Attached to Beijing Normal University

^*Corresponding author: andrewzhang789@outlook.com

Published on 2 October 2025

ACE Vol.188

ISSN (Print): 2755-273X

ISSN (Online): 2755-2721

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-397-0

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-398-7

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Abstract

This study employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to evaluate and optimize the aerodynamic performance of three biomimetic roof vortex generator designs for automotive applications. The designs were inspired by the curvature of a shark's dorsal fin, the streamlined shape of a stingray's body, and the microstructural grooves of shark skin (with an initial 40 mm groove depth). Comparative analysis revealed that the shark skin-inspired vortex generator exhibited superior drag reduction characteristics compared to the more conventional biomimetic designs. The optimal configuration was determined through systematic variation of groove depth (35-55 mm). Results demonstrated that a 50 mm groove depth provided the most effective aerodynamic performance. This improvement translates to measurable fuel efficiency gains in vehicle operation. The study highlights the potential of bioinspired engineering solutions in automotive aerodynamics, particularly the effectiveness of shark skin microstructure replication.

Keywords:

Vortex generator, Bio-inspired design, Aerodynamic analysis, Computational fluid dynamics

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References

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References

[1]. https: //baijiahao.baidu.com/ 1798726692751823876

[2]. https: //www.dongchedi.com/article/7501969517828997643

[3]. Islam, M. R., Hossain, M. A., Mashud, M., & Gias, M. T. I. (2013). Drag reduction of a car by using vortex generator. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 4(7), 1298-1302.

[5]. Raman, L. A., & Hari, H. R. (2016). Methods for reducing aerodynamic drag in vehicles and thus acquiring fuel economy. Journal of Advanced Engineering Research, 3(1), 26-32.

[6]. Mohamed-Kassim, Z., & Filippone, A. (2010). Fuel savings on a heavy vehicle via aerodynamic drag reduction. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 15(5), 275-284.

[9]. Oeffner, J., & Lauder, G. V. (2012). The hydrodynamic function of shark skin and two biomimetic applications. Journal of Experimental Biology, 215(5), 785-795.

[12]. Gerhart, A. L., Hochstein, J. I., & Gerhart, P. M. (2020). Munson, Young and Okiishi's Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics. John Wiley & Sons.

Cite this article

Zhang,J. (2025). Aerodynamic Analysis of Bio-Inspired Car Vortex Generator Using Computational Fluid Dynamics. Applied and Computational Engineering,188,65-73.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of CONF-MCEE 2026 Symposium: Advances in Sustainable Aviation and Aerospace Vehicle Automation

ISBN: 978-1-80590-397-0(Print) / 978-1-80590-398-7(Online)

Editor: Ömer Burak İSTANBULLU

Conference website: https://2025.confmcee.org/kayseri.html

Conference date: 14 November 2025

Series: Applied and Computational Engineering

Volume number: Vol.188

ISSN: 2755-2721(Print) / 2755-273X(Online)

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