Paper Title
Numerical Validation and Analysis of Tractor-Trailer at Varying Cross Wind Angles
Abstract
For the design and performance of vehicle, accurate calculation of drag and lift coefficient is a significant process
step. Higher value of aerodynamic coefficients results in more fuel consumption. This phenomenon is predominantly
significant, when the speed of vehicle is above 60 kmph. Moreover, with higher velocity, vehicle stability becomes a major
issue especially due to under-steering or over-steering. Hence, quantification of the aerodynamic loads during windy
conditions becomes important to evaluate the risks associated with them. It is always recommended to validate wind tunnel
experiment with numerical simulation to ensure safety and performance of the vehicle. In the present study, an attempt is
made to analyze the aerodynamic loads on Tractor-Trailer. This study was conducted at an average speed (54kmph) of
vehicle at different wind flow angles. The flow considered here is turbulent flow. The Lift, Drag and side forces, moments
for Tractor-Trailer vehicle are computed numerically using CFD analysis. The modeling of the Tractor-Trailer was
performed using SolidWorks-14 modeling software and the model was then imported to Ansys (CFD-Fluent)-15 for
analysis. The various test cases were simulated in Ansys-Fluent to obtain the data for further review, analysis and
optimization. The trends of aerodynamic forces were plotted with respect to test condition’s, which includes wind flow
angles and nature of wind flow. The results of the numerical simulations were compared and validated with experimental
conclusions as available in the literature. Design modifications to the Tractor-Trailer are further undertaken in order to
ascertain and capture the changes in the aerodynamic coefficients.
Keywords - Aerodynamic Coefficients, CFD, Tractor-Trailer, Turbulent Flow, Wind Angles