Abstract
Non-aerodynamic factors are largely responsible for the size and shape of contemporary trucks and buses. The results of wind tunnel experiments with 1/7-scale tractor-trailer and bus models are used to identify major drag producing regions of the flow fields, and to document some of the detailed characteristics. Some modifications of both the forebody and base flow fields are made in order to explore the practical potential for drag reduction. The largest drag reductions are shown to be achievable by changing the forebody flow field. By controlling flow separation from leading edges, either by modifying body contours or by employing add-on devices, apparent minimum drag limits have been identified. The possibility of even lower drag levels within existing constraints is analyzed. At the end, non-zero yaw drag characteristics are briefly discussed.
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© 1978 Plenum Press, New York
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Mason, W.T., Beebe, P.S. (1978). The Drag Related Flow Field Characteristics of Trucks and Buses. In: Sovran, G., Morel, T., Mason, W.T. (eds) Aerodynamic Drag Mechanisms of Bluff Bodies and Road Vehicles. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-8434-2_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-8434-2_3
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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