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Reduction of aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption for tractor-trailer vehiclesWind-tunnel tests were performed on a scale model of a cab-over-engine tractor-trailer vehicle and several modifications of the model. Results from two of the model configurations were compared with full-scale drag data obtained from similar configurations during coast-down tests. Reductions in fuel consumption derived from these tests are presented in terms of fuel quantity and dollar savings per vehicle year, based on an annual driving distance of 160,900 km (100,000 mi.). The projected savings varied from 13,001 (3435) to 25,848 (6829) liters (gallons) per year which translated to economic savings from $3435 to about $6829 per vehicle year for an operating speed of 88.5 km/h (55 mph) and wind speeds near the national average of 15.3 km/h (9.5 mph). The estimated cumulative fuel savings for the entire U.S. fleet of cab-over-engine tractor, van-type trailer combinations ranged from 4.18 million kl (26.3 million bbl) per year for a low-drag configuration to approximately twice that amount for a more advanced configuration.
Document ID
19800032778
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Muirhead, V. U.
(Kansas, University Lawrence, Kan., United States)
Saltzman, E. J.
(NASA Flight Research Center Edwards, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Energy
Volume: 3
Subject Category
Urban Technology And Transportation
Accession Number
80A16948
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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