Abstract

ABSTRACT For buses which covers long distances in a single stretch, improved aerodynamic design with good aesthetics attracts customers besides saving fuel consumption. Ergonomic design of interiors for increased comfort of the passengers also plays a vital role. In the present work emphasis is given on the redesign of an intercity bus with enhanced exterior styling reduced aerodynamic drag and increased comfort for the passengers. Extensive product study and market study are carried out. Existing intercity bus is benchmarked and analyzed for styling, aerodynamic performance and comfort. Fluent, a CFD code is used to evaluate the aerodynamic performance. Principles of product design are used to analyze the styling and comfort. The benchmarked high-floor bus is redesigned with low -floor for reduced aerodynamic drag. The exterior of the chosen bus is redesigned with emphasis on improvised aerodynamic performance and appealing looks. The interior was modified to meet aspirations of the commuters. The results of the redesigned exterior body showed a reduction of C d from 0.581 to 0.41 at a speed of 100 km/hr and overall aerodynamic drag reduction by about 30% due to combined effect of reduced C d and frontal area.