On the impact of size and position of semi-trailer on the aerodynamic drag of an articulated vehicle

摘要

The paper relates to the numerical aerodynamic simulation of an articulated vehicle. All simulations were comparative, where variables were only three geometric parameters: the height and length of the semi-trailer, and the gap between the tractor and semi-trailer. Simulation results have been investigated and compared in terms of observed values of aerodynamic drag coefficients. These coefficients have been presented in time (for example only), but above all, as constant, averaged magnitudes which are more suitable for comparisons. Total number of simulations and thereby geometrical configurations was 125, i.e. for 5 sizes of the height and length of trailer, and 5 clearance gaps between the tractor and trailer. Results have been presented graphically and discussed.