Drag Reduction for Trucks by Active Flow Control of the Wake Behind the Trailer

Paper in proceeding, 2009

Several hundred large-eddy simulations with active flow control have been carried out to propose a novel rear end of a trailer. It is found that a reduction of aerodynamic drag by up to 25% or more is achieved for certain configurations. The reduction is mainly the result of a pressure recovery on the flap surface and the rear end of the trailer. The parameters of the novel rear end geometry and the variables of AFC are investigated. A thorough analysis of the mechanism of flow control and the flow characteristics of the forced and unforced case is reported.