Cutting Truck Fuel Use and Improving Control.

• Position: Brief Article

Bob Englar, principal research engineer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), Atlanta, is seeking to help tractor-trailer trucks fly, though not literally, of course. With support from the U.S. Department of Energy and American Trucking Associations, he is applying aerodynamic concepts and Circulation Control flight systems developed for aircraft to 18-wheelers. The goals include reducing fuel consumption and giving drivers better control of the big rigs under a number of adverse conditions. "We are taking flight-proven aircraft technology that we've already shown works on streamlined cars and applying it to trucks. Current trucks, primarily the trailers, are anything but streamlined, so whatever can be done to reduce the drag will help fuel economy."

Englar expects the work to reduce aerodynamic drag by at least 35%, and perhaps by 50% or more. A 35% drag reduction translates to approximately a 12% drop in fuel consumption for tractor-trailers. If applied to the entire American fleet, such a step would save an estimated 1,200,000,000 gallons of fuel a year.

Beyond the fuel savings, however, the Circulation Control system being developed and evaluated in GTRI's wind tunnel could improve directional control for trailers, increase traction, and augment braking. Also known as pneumatic control, this aerodynamic system could create lift on the trailer, effectively reducing its weight. That would lower rolling resistance on tires, cut wear, and increase fuel economy.

The pneumatic system works by blowing compressed air from slots located on different parts of the trailer. Air blown over curved...