MASc Seminar - Zhi-Sheng Chen

Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Seminar

NOTICE OF SEMINAR PRESENTATION

CANDIDATE:              Zhi-Sheng Chen

DEGREE SOUGHT:    MASc

DATE:                          4/6/2026

TIME:                          10:30am

PLACE:                        Room 1102 CEI

TITLE:                          Forgotten Circles - The Aerodynamic Impact of Tire Shoulder Geometry on Vehicle Drag

Abstract

The continuous pursuit of automotive aerodynamic efficiency has historically focused on upper-body geometric optimization. However, as upper-body designs approach an aerodynamic asymptote, achieving further drag reduction without compromising the manufacturer's visual intent has become increasingly challenging. Consequently, attention is shifting toward the flow structures of wheel and tire aerodynamics. This study investigates the aerodynamic influence of tire shoulder profile modifications on an isolated rotating wheel, evaluating both undeformed and deformed states. The research demonstrates that increasing the tire shoulder radius yields a quantifiable reduction in aerodynamic drag, with larger radii exhibiting particularly favorable drag characteristics under deformed conditions. These findings highlight the critical role of tire geometry in holistic vehicle aerodynamics, presenting a viable strategy for reducing the overall vehicle drag coefficient and ultimately extending the operational range of electric vehicles