Design of a Rear Spoiler for Reducing Aerodynamic Drag Coefficient and Fuel Consumption in a Low-End Sedan

Abstract

Abstract – This study presents the design and analysis of a rear spoiler for low-end sedans, specifically for the Volkswagen Vento model, aimed at reducing the aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cx) and fuel consumption. The design was based on the NACA 2412 airfoil profile, optimizing its shape and angle to achieve a more uniform airflow and reduce aerodynamic resistance. Simulations were performed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools in ANSYS and SolidWorks, yielding significant results at an average speed of 65 km/h, in compliance with traffic regulations in Peru. Results show that the aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cx) decreased from 0.40 to 0.36, representing a 10% improvement. This reduction allowed the vehicle’s required power to drop from 2953.325 W to 2657.992 W, translating into less engine effort and, consequently, a 10% fuel saving. Average fuel consumption decreased from 0.80545 kg/100 km to 0.72497 kg/100 km, validating the design's efficiency in both simulations and field tests. Keywords: Aerodynamics, spoiler, drag coefficient, low-end sedan, CFD simulations, fuel consumption.