A new method for streamlining tractor-trailer trucks based on weakening turbulent vortices in regions of separated flow using a flexible surface Deturbulator tape patented by the author. Minimal Deturbulator application on the tractor-cab sides yielded 4% improved fuel mileage by de-energizing recirculating vortices in the tractor-trailer gap. The entire trailer, especially flatbeds with loads can be encapsulated within a quiescent separated bubble by extending Deturbulator application to the tractor. It makes the truck appear more streamlined to the airflow evidenced by 13-30% fuel economy improvement. The Deturbulator configured as a replaceable strip provides a cost effective fuel savings add-on for already streamlined class-8 tractors, which does not impede normal operations..
Improving Fuel Efficiency of Tractor Trailer Trucks with Deturbulator Aero-Drag Reduction
Sae Technical Papers
Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress & Exhibition ; 2008
2008-10-07
Conference paper
English
Improving fuel efficiency of tractor trailer trucks with Deturbulator aero-drag reduction
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