Low-Drag Trucks: Aerodynamic Improvements & Flow Control System Boost Fuel Efficiency

[OokiiMamoru]

http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/new.../truckfuel.htm

The big rig drivers should appreciate this one, but here is my question. Could the wings be modified for SUB and Van owners. I imagine xB owners could benifit as well.

[Daox]

I would say yes they could. They are essentially a mini-boat tail like Andrew has on his Civic.

[whokilledthejams]

I think we could benefit from anything that offsets the toasterness, really. Failing that, I could just avoid the interstate system entirely.

[aerohead]

certainly,there is no physical boundary that would prevent such a thing to benefit vans and SUVs.This kind of research is in at least it's second decade of work. So far,the energy balance comes out on the side of the atmosphere.The energy required to pump the air,exceeds the energy saved in drag reduction,for a net loss in efficiency. I personally belong to the Clarence"Kelly"Johnson' school of KISS ( keep it simple stupid! ) and like others,believe the class-8 truck and semi-trailer requires a complete re-think.Fifteen years ago there were bus designs with Cd 0.20. Renault had a 18-wheeler with Cd 0.318. And no moving parts!!!!!! I think these would serve as appropriate starting points,as they work.A heroin addict may argue that his problem lay in the design of the syringe,however,I believe the problem occurs at a deeper level. I'm sure Georgia Tech is having a great time making bonfires out of my tax dollars.I do believe the money could be better spent elsewhere.Great article,now I'm going to go and shoot myself.

[nwbabybronco]

The under wing was interesting. I have wondered recently if there would be any value in streamlining my Ranger rear axle (in combo with belly pan/side skirt), if only to add downforce and counteract potential lift issues of an aeroback.

It seems like such an easy change. After decades, how hard could it be to put some rounded extensions on a box?

[meemooer]

Kindda funny how the article is from January of 2005!!
what have they been waiting on? why doesn't someone[company] just build something cheap, slap it on a truck and see if it works at all. 0.5mpg better is a big money saver on a big rig