REDUCTION OF ADVERSE AERODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF LARGE TRUCKS VOLUME I: TECHNICAL REPORT

The overall objective of this study has been to develop methods of minimizing three aerodynamic-related phenomena: truck-induced aerodynamic disturbances, splash, and spray. An analytical methodology has been developed and used to characterize aerodynamic flow, truck splash and spray generation and propagation, adjacent driver visibility factors, the performance of the disturbed adjacent driver/vehicle system, and benefit/cost comparisons. These same factors have been studied in a series of driving simulator, wind tunnel, and fullscale tests and experiments. Attention in the experiments and analyses has focused on understanding the phenomena, as well as on identifying and developing devices, techniques, and procedures for minimizing these aerodynamic effects. Several truck mounted devices and prototype concepts are identified which have the potential to alleviate the adverse effects of splash and spray in a cost-effective way. These include collector flaps, simple fenders, and aerodynamic panels and devices near the tractor, under the truck, and around the wheels. Non-vehicle means of alleviation are considered, as well. /FHWA/

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• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/753
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Interim report for November 1976 - September 1978. Subcontracted to AeroVironment, Inc., Western Highway Institute, and Alan M. Voorhees and Associates, Inc.. Volume 2 is HS-025 090. See also HS-025 091, HS-025 092 and HS-025 093.
• Corporate Authors:

  Systems Technology, Incorporated

  13766 South Hawthorne Boulevard
  Hawthorne, CA  United States  90250

  Federal Highway Administration

  Environmental Design and Control Division, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Weir, D H
  • Strange, J F
  • Heffley, R K
• Publication Date: 1978-9

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 378 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; Cost effectiveness; Drivers; Driving simulators; Reduction (Chemistry); Splashing; Trucks; Vehicle dynamics; Vehicle performance; Visibility; Wind pressure
• Uncontrolled Terms: Spray control
• Old TRIS Terms: Reduction
• Subject Areas: Highways; Motor Carriers; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00303411
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-79- 84 Intrm Rpt., HS-040 879
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-9165
• Files: HSL, NTL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 30 1991 12:00AM