Aerodynamic optimisation of prototype FSAE vehicle through biomimetic approach Regina Jing Wen Ang, Kok Hing Chong ⇑ , Charlie ChinVoon Sia, Muhammad Rafiq Mirza Julaihi Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, QA5, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia article info Article history: Available online 3 August 2022 Keywords: Aerodynamics Biomimetic Design optimisation Drag reduction abstract The aerodynamic aspect is undoubted of high importance in vehicular design as it correlates with improving performance efficiency and reducing fuel consumption for an automotive vehicle. This paper documents the design and optimisation process of the prototype FSAE (Formula of Student Automotive Engineers) vehicle in aerodynamic performance. This project aims to generate design optimisation for the body of FSAE vehicles through a biomimetic approach to simulate the feasibility of biological systems integration in engineering design. Computational fluid dynamics through turbulent models were incorporated in analysing the aerodynamic flow of the optimised model. The geometrical aspect of the model is optimised through shape and parametric optimisation relative to the biological model implemented. The production of a highly reliable and improved prototype was represented as an optimised solution with a 48.65% improvement in drag coefficient and 113.97% in lift coefficient or stability compared to the initial proposed model of the prototype FSAE vehicle body. CAD design of the expected prototype is produced, along with the presentation of a scaled-down fabricated 3D model. The optimised model is fabricated considering the successful improvement in fuel efficiency by 18.19%. Copyright Ó 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Materials, Manufacturing and Renewable Technologies 2022 (i-SMART 2022). 1. Introduction The usage of biomimicry has been widespread in many field applications. For example, studying geometrical features and wet- tability of dung beetles concerning improved tillage implementa- tions in agriculture and researching new self-cleaning materials as building blocks mimicry of spinifex grass species in building applications [1,2]. In automotive design, implementing a biomi- metic approach is novel when little insight and understanding of the interrelation between biological aspects have been made [3]. However, a few biological structures or processes can be included to improve the vehicular design and its performance. In terms of aerodynamic aspects, one of the most profound biological refer- ences would be the peregrine falcon or Falco Peregrinus, which helm as the fastest avian species in the world. When stooping downwards, the peregrine falcon can generate an in-flight velocity of up to 320 km/h or 88.9 m/s [4]. The streamlining effects of the peregrine falcon show a general transverse biostructure of the avian. The overall body structure orientation induces negative lift forces for better manoeuvrabil- ity while diving, as shown in Fig. 1 (The numbers 1 to 4 indi- cated the interested regions). Different body structure micro- orientations can generate variant lift forces that provide signifi- cant and spontaneous altitude changes [4,5]. The diving aerodynamics of the peregrine falcon is also made possible by utilising the cupped-wings formation, where the wings of the peregrine falcon are tilted downwards to increase lift and decrease drag. Pop-up feathers near the cupped region also induced local airflow separation to reduce induced drag along the course of flight [5]. As a means of a similar study, the peregrine falcon’s manoeuvrability is supported by vortical structures alongside the neck and the wings in controlling the pitch and roll momentum [6]. As shown in the numerous biostructures of the peregrine falcon in optimising aerodynamic performance during flight, implications on various engineering models such as aircraft and vehicles would significantly affect drag reduction, stability, and energy efficiency improvements in the future inventions. The biostructure of the peregrine falcon must be studied and analysed in detail to generate biomimicry https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.07.307 2214-7853/Copyright Ó 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Materials, Manufacturing and Renewable Technologies 2022 (i-SMART 2022). ⇑ Corresponding author. E-mail address: kchong@swinburne.edu.my (K.H. Chong). Materials Today: Proceedings 72 (2023) 2869–2874 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Materials Today: Proceedings journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/matpr