NASA Vehicle Aerodynamics studies - Very interesting read

[loudboy]

I'm building my own camper for my truck and have been doing my homework on how to make it less of a flying brick. I came across this very interesting history/study of NASA's research on truck and tractor/trailer aerodynamics. There are some great mods to be made, good points to consider in cost/benefit analysis, and its just generally well written and interest. Good way to kill 20minutes at work, if nothing else.

https://history.nasa.gov/monograph46.pdf

 

[loudboy]

Oh, and if anybody knows of some effective aero products on the market for small to medium sized rigs, feel free to mention them. I've been picking over ecomodder.com pretty well researching boat tails and air splitters.

 

[Buliwyf]

I, for one, welcome our new cow shaped trucks.

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

LOL First time I have ever seen a CFD done on a cow. I would have thought those low hanging udders would add drag.

 

[DaveInDenver]

 

[loudboy]

^^ That hilarious! But makes sense, after seeing how much of a difference radius corners have. Pretty surprising how aerodynamic those giant RVs are given that huge frontal area.

 

[doug720]

On a serious note...

Check out "Vortex Generators" for the rear sides of your project.

One of my friends runs Scaled Composites. He and a few of their "Smart" people run them on all their boxy vehicles. They claim it helps fuel mileage wise, and seem to work as the vehicles rear areas stay very clean. When they drive on dirt roads, you can see how the air flows nearly straight behind the vehicle, rather than swirl back.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Vortex+Generators&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1

They are inexpensive, mount easily, and if wanted, remove easily too.

 

[loudboy]

"One of my friends runs Scaled Composites" That is a good friend to have indeed! I'll check out he vortex generators, thanks

 

[HayStax]

Wow, that was an interesting amalgamation of ideas. Was not expecting to read about cattle trailers and a discussion on shipping fever! As a rancher, this was quite interesting and obviously well researched, I wish more action had been taken to help with the animal health aspect. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Menard_LaPue]

Thick reading, but what I saw was 30% reduction in aerodynamic drag at 55 mph with all the modifications, including the front and rear shrouds. Could translate up to 3.5 mpg for the ambulance that gets maybe 13. Plus you could maybe get all that extra room by adding the big 'ol roundy end.

 

[loudboy]

I'm sure skirts and a flat bottom on an ambo build would have great improvements, if you didnt need the ground clearance. Maybe a removable system? Polycarbonate sheets/plates might do the trick