International Truck and Engine develops devices to reduce air drag
The Trucker News Services
11/20/2006
International Truck and Engine develops devices to reduce air drag
WASHINGTON (Nov. 14, 2006) — International Truck and Engine Corp. says its newly developed aerodynamic devices reduce air drag by up to 14 percent.
Under a joint project funded by both the engine maker and the federal Department of Energy, International used wind-tunnel and on-road tests, and along with help from Great Dane Trailers, developed an experimental aerodynamic trailer for Wal-Mart.
The tests dealt with three main contributors to drag in a typical Class 8 tractor-trailer: the gap between the tractor and trailer, the trailer sides and the trailer wake, stated an International news release.
The gap solutions involved both partial and complete closure of the gap, and side skirting options were used to bolster aerodynamics along the sides of the trailer. To reduce drag in the wake of or behind the trailer, various angles and shapes were used, with a final trailer configuration built by Great Dane for the experimental Wal-Mart version. It included automatically deploying trailer side skirts and a tapered aft section in addition to an 8 percent height reduction on the front of the trailer. To make up for losing load space with the lower height, the trailer floor was lowered but with a “maxi-lift” suspension to adjust to normal dock heights for loading and unloading.
It’s estimated that Class 8 trucks use as much as 12 percent of the nation’s petroleum supply, with half of that going into thin air ? literally ? because of air drag.
“The industry must continue to squeeze as much performance as possible from these heavy trucks while also limiting the drain on natural resources and, ultimately, the cost to customers,” said Patrick Charbonneau, International’s vice president of government relations.
— The Trucker News Services
