Quote:
Originally Posted by trebuchet03
Questions to ask...
1. What % of their operating life are they no hooked up to a trailer?
2. When hooked up to a trailer, what % of losses can be attributed to rig/trailer gap?
3. What is the penalty for ridges oriented orthogonally to flow?
4. Of course, Cost v. benefit 
I've seen the accordion stuff on trains/subways... But I think that's more of a trade off for turning.... |
1. They would be mounted to the back of the cab. The assembly would make contact with the trailer as it was driven towards it. It would then compress like an accordion.
2. I would have to look into this.Others members here know more about this. I would
think that anything helps though - especially when we are talking about a gap that is around three feet.
3. Good question - you're the one with the CFD program.
It might be an interesting thing to research.
4. The assembly could be made out of canvas / tent material or rubber with a tension spring mounted within it. I would think canvas / tent material would be more durable ( wear and tear and the effects of sunlight on rubber vs. canvas / other materials. ) I would think the weight would be offset by the fuel savings - especially when driven without a trailer. ( It would be hollow and just fold out like a tent )
The ridges would become more rigid and closer to the ideal shape when flexed outward.