REDUCING THE FUEL CONSUMPTION OF HEAVY TRUCK TRAINS (TRACTOR VEHICLE AND TRAILER) BY LOWERING AERODYNAMIC DRAG

Drag coefficients for direct and oblique air streams and airflow patterns on truck-trailer and tractor-semitrailer models were investigated in wind tunnel tests with the aid of streamers and smoke tracers. When the tests were repeated with shrouded models, two aerodynamic add-on devices were found most promising for a 38-ton vehicle train: roof-mounted air shield with front air dam and side fairings on the tractor, and front cladding with stabilizer and side fairings on the trailer. Road tests performed with two 320 hp vehicle trains on the autobahn between Munich and Stuttgart, Germany, were representative of a typical long-distance trucking route, including both flat and mountainous sections; the wind speed was assumed to be average. The tests, covering a distance of 20,000 km. evaluated a standard combination and one equipped with the aerodynamic aids. The road tests conclusively demonstrated that the aerodynamic devices, which can readily be fitted on existing vehicles, can reduce drag by as much as 25% (at mean speeds between 70 and 80 kph) which corresponds to a fuel savings of up to 10%.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Published in HS-805 233 (TRIS 361554), "International Automotive Fuel Economy Research Conference (1st) Proceedings," Washington D.C., 1980, pp 444-50. Conference held October 31-November 2, 1979.
• Corporate Authors:

  Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nurnberg AG

  Commercial Vehicle Division
  Augsburg-Nurnberg,   Germany 
• Authors:
  • Drewitz, H
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Pagination: 7 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; Drag; Fuel consumption; Heavy vehicles; Speed; Tractor trailer combinations; Vehicle tests; Wind
• Uncontrolled Terms: Wind speed
• Old TRIS Terms: Drag reducing devices
• Subject Areas: Energy; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00371003
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-031 386
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 1983 12:00AM