Semi Trailer Major Drag Project Info

Project Info

Grade Category: 10-12

Team Size: 1

Subject Area: Engineering/Computer Science

Project Type: Descriptive Type III

Language: English

Project Summary (Abstract):

Tractor-trailer, or semi-trailer trucks make up a large component of the North America transportation industry. Given their prominence, improving their efficiency has both economic and environmental incentives. Semi-Trailer, Major Drag investigates two sources of inefficiency in the current tractor-trailer design; the height of the trailer and the spacing between the cab of the tractor and the trailer and tests the drag reduction effectiveness of two novel accessories. By constructing a wind tunnel and making measurements on a scale model under various configurations, the project assesses the effect of each feature on the aerodynamic drag forces associated with the tractor-trailer in motion and makes recommendations to reduce them. The findings show that increases in the height of the trailer or the trailer-cab spacing result in corresponding increases in drag force. Test results also show that connecting the tractor cab and trailer using a flexible sleeve significantly reduces drag and has the potential to cheaply improve transportation efficiency.

Software Tools Used:

Macromedia Dreamweaver 8

Macromedia Fireworks 8

Microsoft Excel 2005

Microsoft Word 2005

TeX

Hardware Tools Used:

HP Photosmart Digital Camera

Source of Idea:

While reading a Scientific American article about the expanding network of high speed trains in Europe, I noticed the aerodynamic design of the trains and contemplated the differences between the train and a tractor-trailer. The most striking unique features I saw were the closeness of the train cars, the relative height difference and the connecting sleeves between cars. I thought that by applying these design concepts to the tractor-trailer I might be able to help improve the efficiency of the tractor trailer to more closely resemble that of the new trains.

Special Skills Used:

Graphic Design

Web Design (HTML)

Contact:

E-mail

Click here to move on to the References page.


Project Info References Acknowledgments Conclusion Sources of Error Further Research Overview Hypothesis Procedure Results Overview Background Objectives Hypothesis Construction/Details Testing Overview Background Plan	Project Info Grade Category: 10-12 Team Size: 1 Subject Area: Engineering/Computer Science Project Type: Descriptive Type III Language: English Project Summary (Abstract): Tractor-trailer, or semi-trailer trucks make up a large component of the North America transportation industry. Given their prominence, improving their efficiency has both economic and environmental incentives. Semi-Trailer, Major Drag investigates two sources of inefficiency in the current tractor-trailer design; the height of the trailer and the spacing between the cab of the tractor and the trailer and tests the drag reduction effectiveness of two novel accessories. By constructing a wind tunnel and making measurements on a scale model under various configurations, the project assesses the effect of each feature on the aerodynamic drag forces associated with the tractor-trailer in motion and makes recommendations to reduce them. The findings show that increases in the height of the trailer or the trailer-cab spacing result in corresponding increases in drag force. Test results also show that connecting the tractor cab and trailer using a flexible sleeve significantly reduces drag and has the potential to cheaply improve transportation efficiency. Software Tools Used: Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 Macromedia Fireworks 8 Microsoft Excel 2005 Microsoft Word 2005 TeX Hardware Tools Used: HP Photosmart Digital Camera Source of Idea: While reading a Scientific American article about the expanding network of high speed trains in Europe, I noticed the aerodynamic design of the trains and contemplated the differences between the train and a tractor-trailer. The most striking unique features I saw were the closeness of the train cars, the relative height difference and the connecting sleeves between cars. I thought that by applying these design concepts to the tractor-trailer I might be able to help improve the efficiency of the tractor trailer to more closely resemble that of the new trains. Special Skills Used: Graphic Design Web Design (HTML) Contact: E-mail Click here to move on to the References page.