Improving Motorcycle Aerodynamics with Fairing Design

This technical document outlines a student diploma project focused on enhancing motorcycle aerodynamics through fairing design. The project team, comprising KTM employees and an Altair Student Ambassador, aimed to compare various motorcycle fairing concepts to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve stability. The document details the use of Altair solutions, including Altair Virtual Wind Tunnel and ultraFluidX, to achieve optimal fairing designs. The study was conducted in three phases: first, comparing aerodynamic drag between two fairing concepts; second, validating the performance of a detailed fairing model; and third, improving aerodynamic balance using wing elements. The results indicated that the selected fairing concept significantly reduced drag and improved rider comfort. The document emphasizes the importance of virtual simulations in aerodynamic testing, highlighting their cost-effectiveness and efficiency compared to physical wind tunnel testing. It concludes with insights on the aerodynamic performance enhancements achieved through this project.