View Single Post
Old 08-28-2012, 09:59 AM   #18 (permalink)
KamperBob
Recreation Engineer
 
KamperBob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Somewhere USA
Posts: 525

Black Stallion - '02 Toyota Tundra 4WD xCab

Half Pint - '06 Yamaha XT225
Thanks: 333
Thanked 138 Times in 103 Posts
3D

This rig (SUV w/ deflector + Apex trailer) may be an instructive example.


From Hucho's compendium.



The Apex already has a generous roof edge radius in profile (side) view. In plan (top) view it has pretty sharp edges. Gilkison reported to Phil record high mileage. To my brain all this evidence supports sidewall splash as a likely problem that the rooftop deflector addressed.

It would be nice to see 3D streamlines from proper CFD, or tufted sides of the trailer with and without the deflector, to further demonstrate benefit. I suspect long term FE will show real gain. With real world variability, however, scientific confidence requires more trips, patience for us, and generosity of those involved to share.

Rock on!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Fig. 4.102.jpg
Views:	539
Size:	134.8 KB
ID:	11413   Click image for larger version

Name:	Fig.4.104.JPG
Views:	574
Size:	43.7 KB
ID:	11414  
__________________
Recreation Engineer
  Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to KamperBob For This Useful Post:
aerohead (08-28-2012), slowmover (08-29-2012)