Tractor-Trailer Drag Distribution
25-35% Tractor Drag
An aerodynamic tractor only affects the flow over the trailer face!
70% of the drag of a tractor trailer is trailer drag.
65-75% Trailer Drag
- 30% Trailer Front Face
- 30% Trailer Base
- 30% Undercarriage
- 10% Side and Top Surfaces
Trailer Drag
Pressure Drag - normal to surface
• Hot Spots: front face, rear face, undercarriage
• Comprises more than 90% of total trailer drag
Friction Drag - tangential to surface
• Hot Spots: side and top surfaces
• Comprises less than 8% of total trailer drag
Roughness Drag - this is a pressure drag increment
• Hot Spots: side and top surfaces
• Comprises less than 2% of total trailer drag
Getting Better Fuel Mileage - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Largest CDL Truck Driver Message Board
(.pdf 5.8 Mb)
PETERBILT WHITE PAPER ON AERODYNAMICS
Aerodynamics 101
According to Peterbilt Engineering Systems Manager Rick Mihelic, the truck engine must overcome five primary forces in order to move the truck down the road. They are:
• Rolling resistance, or the loss due to friction between the tires and the road;
• Mechanical losses, which result from friction inside the engine and the drivetrain;
• Accessory losses, which result from running alternators, air conditioners, fans, etc.;
• Grades, or changes in road elevation; and
• Aerodynamic drag.
http://www.peterbilt.com/eco/pdf/Aer...%20PAPER-2.pdf
(.pdf 3.2 Mb)
KENWORTH WHITE PAPER ON FUEL ECONOMY
http://www.loadtrek.net/loadtrek_net...whitepaper.pdf
(ARTICLE) HEAVY DUTY TRUCKING
Hands-On Tips For Buying Fuel, Driving & Spec'ing For Better Economy
Tips For Drivers
Tips For Drivers
***** In a major study, The Technology and Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Assns. identified the major factors that most affect fuel economy. The top 10 are:
*****
1:
Driver skills, then,
***** 2:
Speed - especially with poor aerodynamics
***** 3: Cooling fan "on" time
***** 4: Electronic versus mechanical engines
***** 5:
Using rib tires in every wheel position
***** 6:
Cutting idling time
***** 7: Using single semi-trailers instead of doubles
***** 8: Using a roof fairing rather than a flat roof
***** 9: Using a roof fairing rather than a raised-roof sleeper
***** 10:
Slowing down 5 mph
.