Title: Aerodynamic analysis of some vortex generator improvements for heavy vehicles

Authors: R. Miralbes

Addresses: Design and Manufacturing Department, University of Zaragoza, Ed. Betancourt, CPS C/ Maria de Luna s/n 50017 Zaragoza, Spain

Abstract: The aim of this paper is the aerodynamic study of the use of Vortex Generators (VGs) in some zones of a heavy vehicle (the gap between the cab and the trailer and the rear part of the trailer) using computational fluid dynamic methodology to compare their behaviour in some zones with themselves and with the model without them, analysing the drag forces, the fuel efficiency and the aerodynamic behaviour of the vehicle, because the fuel efficiency and the economic study are essential aspects that have a high influence in heavy vehicles.

Keywords: vortex generators; aerodynamics; articulated vehicles; heavy vehicles; CFD; trailers; lorries; computational fluid dynamics; vehicle modelling; drag forces; fuel efficiency; aerodynamic behaviour.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2012.049847

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2012 Vol.19 No.4, pp.355 - 370

Published online: 20 Dec 2014 *

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