Design and analysis of low cost aerodynamic aids for heavy duty trucks using composite materials for fuel saving purposes and CO2 reduction

• Main Author: Μπιράτσης, Αντώνιος
• Other Authors: Κωστόπουλος, Βασίλειος
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: Aerodynamic aids; Fuel economy; CO2 reduction; Aerodynamic drag; Solidworks flow simulation 2015; Patran - Nastran 2014; Αεροδυναμικά βοηθήματα; Εξοικονόμηση καυσίμου; Μείωση CO2; Αεροδυναμική αντίσταση; 629.224

Freight transports by means of heavy duty trucks constitute nearly 75% of the total transportation in the EU. Billions of euros are spend every year in fuel importations (Eurostat, 2016) in order to cover these needs and in addition with the reduction of global fuel reserves the cost of transportation is constantly rising. Studies have shown that aerodynamic drag, on tractor trailer combination, is the main contributor of fuel consumption on highway speeds (50% at 80km/h and up to 70% at 113km/h). This study will investigates the effect of add-on devices have on the fuel consumption of heavy duty trucks travelling on highway speeds. Target areas are the forefront of the trailer, the underbody area and the base trailer region where nearly 75% of the total drag is observed. Analysis of the airflow where performed on Solidworks Flow Simulation and analysis of the composite panels where performed Patran-Nastran.