Aerodynamic Forces Experienced by a 3-Vehicle Platoon in a Crosswind

Axial force, side force and yawing moment are measured on each member of a three-vehicle platoon subject to crosswind conditions. The longitudinal spacing between vehicles is varied from 0 to 0.72 vehicle lengths in a large set of combinations covering both symmetric and non-symmetric configurations. Crosswind is simulated by yawing the platoon ten degrees with respect to the axis of the wind tunnel. Axial forces are significantly smaller for close-following. At a spacing of 0.1 vehicle lengths, the average axial force coefficient at yaw is diminished to about 61% of the value for a single vehicle at yaw. The air stream is redirected by the presence of the platoon so as to diminish side forces and yawing moments on trailing vehicles.