Abstract
This presentation will discuss the industrial design process with specific focus on implementation of aerodynamics into automotive development. Topics will include investigation of various tools available and how and when to use them during the design timeline, including tool correlation, as there are many engineering tool options each carrying a wide variety of capabilities, limitations and assumptions. In the closing sections, information will be presented on the complexities of bluff body aerodynamics as well as the interaction of the vehicle with the atmospheric boundary layer, tying to proposed future work.
About the Speaker
Kevin Howard is now an assistant professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department at Michigan Technological University. Prior to starting his role at MTU in August of 2025, he was the aerodynamics CFD technical expert and CFD supervisor for aero and aero-acoustics at Ford Motor Company, with responsibilities to lead the development of computational tools to push the boundaries of aerodynamics and aero-acoustics and help to create the most aerodynamically efficient vehicle designs possible. Kevin holds an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University, an automotive engineering master’s degree from Clemson University, and a PhD in fluid mechanics from the University of Minnesota. He has helped design aerodynamic components on vehicles ranging from tractor trailers to NASCAR Cup cars. Kevin grew up on a family farm in South Dakota and has a passion for all things mechanical - if flow moves through, into or around it, and you can ride / drive / fly it, chances are, it's an interest of his.
Host: Professor Leonardo Chamorro