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Operationally-Practical & Aerodynamically-Robust Heavy Truck Trailer Drag Reduction Technology
Abstract:
A set of five operationally-practical aerodynamic drag reduction devices have been developed for application to the trailer of a tractor-trailer vehicle. The devices have undergone extensive aerodynamic analysis, wind tunnel evaluation, fuel economy assessment and operational testing where they have amassed over 100,000 miles of use. These technologies provide a combined fuel savings of 10% at an average speed of 55 mph. This improvement in fuel economy correlates to an equivalent drag reduction of approximately 25%. Observations and anecdotal evidence from the test activity have shown that the addition of these devices to the trailers has not had a negative impact on operational utility or maintenance procedures and requirements.