THE EFFECT OF LIGHT TRUCK DESIGN VARIABLES ON TOP SPEED, PERFORMANCE, AND FUEL ECONOMY, 1981

The effect of vehicle weight, rolling resistance, aerodynamic drag, and drive-line configuration on fuel economy and performance for light duty trucks is examined. The effect of lockup and extended gear ratio range is also investigated. The assessment of these vehicle variables on fuel economy and performance is determined by using the Transportation Systems Center's vehicle simulation program, VEHSIM, which predicts fuel economy and performance for vehicle parameter changes. The results indicate fuel economy and performance trends which can be used to project future improvements.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Systems Center

  55 Broadway, Kendall Square
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Zub, R W
  • Meisner, R P
• Publication Date: 1981-11

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 103 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Drag; Fuel consumption; Gears; Gross vehicle weight; Light trucks; Motor vehicles; Performance evaluations; Rolling; Rolling friction; Simulation; Speed; Tires; Traffic speed; Trucks; Variables; Vehicle design; Vehicle drive systems; Vehicle performance; Weight
• Old TRIS Terms: Gear drives; Resistance; Weight control
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Highways; Motor Carriers; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00347899
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-TSC-NHTSA-81-22 Final Rpt., HS-806 047
• Files: HSL, NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Mar 30 1982 12:00AM