AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PASSENGER VEHICLE/TRAILER COMBINATIONS

An experimental investigation of combination vehicle aerodynamics, pertinent to crosswind and truck-induced disturbances, was performed. This was accomplished via 1/10 scale model wind tunnel measurements performed on 6 trailers and 4 tow vehicles, and various combinations thereof. For some tests, a non-metric tractor trailer model was placed in the flow field near the combination vehicle model. A large data base of aerodynamic characteristics was generated comprising 6 force and moment coefficients as a function of crosswind angle. The effects of airspeed, articulation angle, trailer and tow vehicle shape, surface roughness, and truck proximity were quantified. Preliminary results suggested some design and development guidelines for manufacturers, and ranges of crosswind sensitivity for various vehicle shape features.

• Corporate Authors:

  Systems Technology, Incorporated

  13766 South Hawthorne Boulevard
  Hawthorne, CA  United States  90250

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Zellner, J W
• Publication Date: 1982-4

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 287 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; Crosswinds; Guidelines; Towing devices; Trailers; Vehicle design
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00396129
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: TR-1169-1 Final Rpt., HS-806 334
• Contract Numbers: DTNH22-80-C-07557
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 31 1985 12:00AM