Технічна інженерія (Nov 2023)
The dependency of fuel consumption on the aerodynamics of a truck
Abstract
The results of the analysis of the influence of the aerodynamic characteristics of the road train on its fuel efficiency are presented. Based on the analysis of known studies, the power balance equation and the known equation of road fuel consumption, it is shown that air resistance has a significant effect on fuel economy indicators. Through the analysis of the air resistance equation and taking into account known studies, it was concluded that one of the key parameters that affect the aerodynamics of the road train is the distance between the cab and the semi-trailer. The results of computer modeling of the aerodynamics of a two-track road train are presented. Based on the proposed model, it is shown that the distance between the cabin and the semi-trailer has a non-linear effect on the total air resistance expressed through the reduced pressure. On the basis of this, an assumption was made about the possibility of optimizing the specified distance according to the criterion of minimum air resistance. It has been established that the use of such technologies as aerodynamic panels can significantly improve the aerodynamic characteristics of a road train, which, in turn, will have a positive effect on fuel economy and other operational characteristics of the road train. A real example of how a decrease in the coefficient of ease of movement, which also takes into account air resistance, affects fuel consumption. It is shown that a decrease in the coefficient of ease of movement by only 0.04 units leads to a decrease in fuel consumption by 11%. It was concluded that the influence of the geometry of the road train, namely the distance between the cab and the semi-trailer, on the indicators of aerodynamics and fuel efficiency requires further research both by computer modeling and by researching physical models of road trains in a wind tunnel.
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