The Challenge
Swansea University’s Computational Fluid Dynamics team was asked by the Bloodhound Land Speed Record project to create an aerodynamic shape capable of safely reaching 1000mph on land.
We are enhancing aerodynamic design
The Method
Swansea University’s Computational Fluid Dynamics team significantly contributed to the original THRUST SSC. The aerodynamic design of THRUST SSC was undertaken using FLITE, which enabled the correct modelling of the interaction between the moving vehicle and the ground. This allowed aerospace simulations to be produced overnight instead of several months. The Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) research for BLOODHOUND SSC is taking place at the Zienkiewicz Centre for Computational Engineering.
The Impact
- The computational aerodynamics design system FLITE developed at Swansea University was key to the success of the THRUST SSC project, which took the World Land Speed Record beyond the speed of sound in 1997;
- The BLOODHOUND was aerodynamically designed by researchers at Swansea University and can safely reach speeds of up to 1000mph – 5 times faster than an F1 car;
- Professor Ben Evans has been a central part of this project and developed computational models of the aerodynamic flows that BLOODHOUND will experience to help shape the vehicle design;
- The use of FLITE in this project has also contributed to significant activity in public engagement in science and engineering, including a large-scale education programme in which over 5,000 schools have been involved.
