AirFlow BulletTruck Project (aerodynamic, modified Class 8 transport doubles MPG)

[Sven7]

Very cool. Great start! I wonder if a manually adjustable/variable grille block is still possible?

[mcrews]

that's impressive!

[sheepdog 44]

All you'd need for adjustable grille block is some servos and a hinging mechanism. It could open and close like shutter blinds, or like a rolling door.

Why not skirts on the front wheels? I would think that even bulged out skirts designed to accomodate maximum turning angle would improve mpg even with a smaller frontal area. My uneducated guess is its spoiling the air, where it could be attached to the skirts all the way to the end.

[sgtlethargic]

Have video cameras been used for mirrors before? It seems that might take some getting used to.

[slowmover]

I always figured (with no evidence) that the 1980's FLC model Freightliner had the worst aero as a tractor. The hood sloped downwards from radiator to windshield. In my mind they were always, "hog nose Freightshakers".

http://www.purplewaveauction.com/a/2...pment/5514.JPG


So how were your neighbors with the Jake full-on down the hill into the neighborhood, rappin' them free-flowin' 10" no-muffler stacks at 0230?

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[Shepherd777]

Originally Posted by Sven7

Very cool. Great start! I wonder if a manually adjustable/variable grille block is still possible?

Originally Posted by sheepdog 44

All you'd need for adjustable grille block is some servos and a hinging mechanism. It could open and close like shutter blinds, or like a rolling door.

The grille is set into the radiator air inlet opening 4 or 5 inches. I think adding a blocking mechanism that far behind the opening would cause an air "bubble" that would cause more harm than good. Also, tying the mechanism into the fan computer would be tricky at this time. The new truck will have a flush grille block tied into the engine and fan ECM's.

Originally Posted by sgtlethargic

Have video cameras been used for mirrors before? It seems that might take some getting used to.

We have standard definition video cameras mounted on the side of the front fenders under the word AirFlow. They are used as spotter devices only to detect vehicles in the blind spots. Currently, big rigs are not allowed to use cameras in lieu of mirrors. We plan on petitioning the FMCSA to allow us to use high definition cameras in liew of mirrors on the next truck. Stay tuned.

Originally Posted by slowmover

So how were your neighbors with the Jake full-on down the hill into the neighborhood, rappin' them free-flowin' 10" no-muffler stacks at 0230? .

I would not use a Jake Brake in a suburban area, and I hate the idiots who do that. And I also hate the idiots who run without mufflers.

Here are a few pics of the completed tractor trailer unit I took at my shop the other day. It is really screaming-out for the cab to trailer gap sealer and the boat-tail. But I have to head to MATS in Louisville at the end of the week.
General Information | Trucking Show History | Mid-America Trucking Show

[slowmover]

I would not use a Jake Brake in a suburban area, and I hate the idiots who do that. And I also hate the idiots who run without mufflers.

Think we need to bring you down to Texas a while . . . as the comment made was with a heightened brow and in re-adjusting the toothpick after a lunch at Dairy Queen. You don't strike any of us as the guy who'd let a little fun get in the way. I'da thought, 0230 would have been the giveaway.

I've Puritans in my background (the genuine article) and, believe me, they didn't celebrate non-Christian holidays like Christmas [until about 1925 or so]. One is free to be free of purity.

I sure like the pics. And the ideas being shared. So there's nothing less than anything serious in my compliments, and in my thanks, for your having chosen to share it online here.

I've got a big pot of chili on today. Made from scratch. Nothing like what ya'll may think it is. Come on over. . I'll know a Detroit from a Cummins from a Cat by the rap as you round the corner.

[Rokeby]

Originally Posted by Shepherd777

We never ran this truck before starting this project. So the only historical
data we have is the average MPG of the last owner that was stored on the
trucks ECU computer. That figure was 5.8 MPG average. That MPG figure
is probably pretty close to the national average, at least in 2009 numbers.
Unknown was the average GVW, speed, idling time, etc. of the last owner...

When we get everything together, boat-tail, gap sealer, etc., we hope to
be consistently in the teens.

Better than 2x FE

I guess the headlights and grill smiley face says it all.



Any concerns about ingesting Smart Cars, Toyota iQs, Gen I Insights, etc,
at that low height?

[slowmover]

Any concerns about ingesting Smart Cars, Toyota iQs, Gen I Insights, etc, at that low height?

With the bullet train look a'happenin' it only makes sense to run a [5] trumpet NATHAN Airchime K5LA just like Union Pacific. dB so great that the pressure wave will cartwheel little cars off onto the shoulder.



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[aerohead]

You may need to petition the American Association of Transportation Engineers,or whoever creates the book which determines road and street construction.
Here in the Denton area you'd never be able to make a delivery without shredding the nose off the tractor.
Between the crown for runoff during torrential downpours,gutters,and driveway ramps,vehicles already designed with SAE specifications for approach,brake-over,and departure angles are being torn to pieces attempting to enter or leave delivery areas.
I'd hate to see that beautiful snout do a ground strike!