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We asked about his thoughts on the key challenges and opportunities for engineers working in this field.
Q: Please can you briefly explain your role and involvement in vehicle aerodynamics.
Kevin Chow (KC): I’m involved in both test and simulation of vehicle aerodynamics, from the point of view of thermal compatibility of the overall aerodynamic design against the demands of various thermal systems.
Q: In your experience, what is the number one challenge facing engineers when managing the aerodynamics of a vehicle?
KC: I would say that the number one challenge is to manage the compromises between aerodynamics and other aspects of the vehicle, such as the purity of the design, cooling requirements and packaging of components, to name but a few.
Q: What is the most exciting development in the field of aerodynamics at the moment?
KC: I wouldn’t say there is any outstanding single development, but the trend towards both electrification and the wider public acknowledgement of the need for more green methods of transport has allowed the design language to accommodate greater aerodynamic benefits than has been the case traditionally.
Q: Given the changes in automotive design over the last ten years, what do you see for the future of aerodynamics over the next five to ten years?
KC: I think that the increased electrification and integration of different vehicle systems will change the way aerodynamics is managed in vehicles, and further afield if the push towards fuel-cells becomes stronger, this will have a big effect on the role aerodynamics interacts with cooling systems.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this year’s International Conference on Vehicle Aerodynamics?
KC: It’s important for engineers, graduates and academics to join this year’s conference to get an exposure to a well-mixed cross-section of current engineering efforts, ongoing development, and academic contributions to aerodynamic developments on automobiles and ground-based transport vehicles.
International Conference on Vehicle Aerodynamics 2020 takes place online on 8 December 2020.
Taking place live and online, the Institution’s conference will cover the latest developments and technologies in aerodynamics, aeroacoustics and aerothermal design, test and development. Featuring peer-reviewed presentations, this year’s event features the latest technical developments in the field from engineers at Aston Martin Lagonda, Jaguar Land Rover, HORIBA MIRA, University of Stuttgart, FKFS, Dassault Systemes and others.
For full details and to book your place please visit the event website.