Reconstruction of 3D Models Using Close-Range Photogrammetry Method for CFD Applications

Abstract

The recent developments of close-range photogrammetry techniques have become one of the most influential methods for various purposes for a wide variety of applications. These highly affordable and accurate digital imaging techniques have not only provided reliable results but faster 3D model reconstruction period. With that in mind, the advances in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have also provided an alternative solution to the fluid flow behavior investigations, especially in the aerodynamic applications. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to present the used of close-range photogrammetry technique in creating a 3D imaging of a small scaled car for CFD modeling. The digital model is created in Autodesk ReCap software, where after it is imported into Solid works to perform the airflow simulation analyses. The behavior of flow structures across the model are simulated under steady-state conditions and have shown clear results of the pressure and velocity distribution. These results have provided useful information on the strong relation of the aerodynamic car model geometry with the flow separation phenomenon. Moreover, the obtained CFD results highlight the interesting flow physics of roll-up vortices formation. Therefore, the minimum and maximum vortices created by the 3D model car are 0.04 s -1 and 1555.59 s -1 respectively with the velocity airflow of between 0 and 50 ms -1.