Test Case 2: DrivAer Notchback
AutoCFD5 DrivAer Notchback benchmark documents, geometry, meshes and result-submission resources.
Overview
Case 2 uses the notchback version of the DrivAer from the 4th Automotive CFD Prediction Workshop. It includes the base DrivAer (Case 2a) and a front-wheel-air-deflector variant (Case 2b). Detailed descriptions are available in the documents below and, for the base variant, in SAE Technical Paper 2021-01-0958 by Hupertz et al.
Both variants use a closed-cooling configuration with static wheels and a static floor. Experimental data from the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, courtesy of Ford, include aerodynamic forces, surface pressures, velocity profiles and two-dimensional flow-field measurements for correlation with workshop CFD analyses. Cadence Design Systems created the meshes using ANSA.
Documents
| Resource | Revision | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Test-case description | 23 February 2026 | Download PDF |
| Result-submission template | Version 8 | Download XLSM |
| Flow-field mapping in ANSA and NASTRAN formats | AutoCFD2 resource | Download ZIP |
| AutoCFD5 mesh details | May 2026 | Download PDF |
Submit results
Upload completed submissions through the AutoCFD result-upload form, then email admin@autocfd.org to notify the organisers. If your organisation restricts access to cloud upload services, contact the same address to arrange an alternative.
Grids and geometry
Updated 3 May 2026.
Geometry and surface meshes
| Case | CAD Data | Surface Mesh (STL) | Refinement Zones (STL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case 2a (Baseline) | TUM / STEP | STL | STL |
| Case 2b (Deflector) | TUM / STEP | STL | STL |
Volume meshes
Case 2a (Baseline)
| Resolution | CGNS | Fluent | OpenFOAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coarse | CGNS | Fluent | OpenFOAM |
| Medium | CGNS | Fluent | OpenFOAM |
| Fine | CGNS | Fluent | OpenFOAM |