Quote:
Originally Posted by aerohead
With less packaging efficiency,an Airstream trailer,with its generous corner radii allows for attached flow over and around, with even a smidegeon of pressure recovery on its leeward side before separation occurs,generating half the wake volume.
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That's the problem we have trying to make freight hauling rigs fuel efficient. The trailers have to be square to haul the freight. The shippers require the most cube volume as can be had from a 53' trailer. Sure, there are 45,000# loads that only sit 4' high off the floor and "gross-out" weight-wise, before they "cube-out". But one cannot survive in the freight hauling business by not having a trailer that will haul max cube.
If you've ever seen the completely dopey, completely impracticable Euro trucks with the whale-back trailers, forget it. You would get laughed-off a shippers lot (and everywhere else) pulling in with a trailer like that here in the U.S. Not to mention the fact that you couldn't even back up to a loading dock with it.
We need to take a 13'6" high, 53' long, 102" wide rectangular box and make it as aero as possible within the confines of the law.
Aerohead - I will be adding a new thread later today or possibly tomorrow regarding the engine hot air exhaust vents on the new truck. I am sure they will be controversial. I am concerned with the air staying attached at this area. I would appreciate your input on this subject. More to follow. Thanks.