FINDING THE TRUCK DESIGN FOR TOMORROW TODAY

In an evaluation of the various energy losses, which contribute to the inefficient running of heavy commercial vehicles, it is shown that less than half the heat energy of fuel is converted to useful work. Of this, 25% is lost to aerodynamic drag at 30mph while rolling resistance accounts for 60% at 30mph. The balance is mainly transmission losses. Aerodynamic losses are accounted for as a function of size, shape and speed while rolling resistance, due to hysteresis of tyre rubber, is a function of material type and tyre design. The article indicates the importance of matching transmission gearing and vehicle speed to achieve maximum economy of operation. The effects of aerodynamic aids such as deflectors, side skirts and air dams on articulated vehicles are shown. It is concluded that road speed governing and cruise control are likely to be required to obtain optimum journey times, minimum fuel consumption and overall economy of operation of commercial vehicles now being developed. (TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01443453
• Corporate Authors:

  City Press Limited

  Fairfax House
  Colchester, Essex CO1 1RJ,   England 
• Authors:
  • GARRETT, K
• Publication Date: 1982-11-12

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 31-32
• Serial:
  • Transport (London)
  • Volume: 3
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: City Press Limited
  • ISSN: 0144-3453

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamic features (Vehicle body components); Aerodynamics; Deflectors; Dissipation; Economic efficiency; Fuel consumption; Gears; Heavy vehicles; Hysteresis; Loss and damage; Motor vehicles; Optimization; Rolling; Rolling resistance; Rubber; Shape; Speed; Tires; Traffic speed; Transmissions; Travel time; Trucks; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Articulated vehicles; Efficiency; Optimum
• Old TRIS Terms: Resistance
• ITRD Terms: 1337: Aerodynamic device; 5492: Aerodynamics; 1225: Articulated vehicle; 5911: Efficiency; 232: Fuel consumption; 5449: Hysteresis; 1236: Lorry; 9040: Loss; 5494: Rolling resistance; 7494: Rubber; 9073: Shape; 5408: Speed; 1333: Transmission (veh); 1381: Tyre
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Energy; Highways; Motor Carriers; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00380528
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 29 1984 12:00AM