This research systematically develops a real-time capable reduced order aerodynamic model of a race vehicle to predict the aerodynamic characterization of a transient vehicle. The aerodynamic model modularly combines the quasi steady state aerodynamic model and a transient aerodynamic model allowing independent development of each model. A new dual range quasi steady state model utilizing the independent variables of front ground clearance, rear ride height, and yaw is developed from wind tunnel data and demonstrates improved modeling capability relative to conventional aerodynamic models. While the quasi steady state aerodynamic model accurately predicts the aerodynamic coefficients of a static vehicle, the static vehicle aerodynamic coefficients are shown to significantly vary from the transient aerodynamic coefficients especially for drag, lift, and pitch moment. Thus, a transient aerodynamic model is necessary for accurate predictions. A transient aerodynamic reduced order model (ROM) utilizing the independent variable of pitch angle is developed from CFD results using a new model structure derived from analyzing the frequency response of the aerodynamic coefficients. The validation of the new transient ROM structure shows that the model better predicts the transient vehicle aerodynamic characteristics compared to the conventional transient ROM structure currently found in literature.
