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Media:  IMAGE
Format:  JPEG (558 x 480)
JPEG (3030 x 2606)
Date:  01.01.1975
Title:  Air flow testing on aerodynamic truck
Description:  After leasing a cab-over tractor-trailer from a Southern California firm, Dryden researchers added sheet metal modifications like those shown here. They rounded the front corners and edges, and placed a smooth fairing on the cab's roofs and sides extending back to the trailer. During the investigation of truck aerodynamics, the techniques honed in flight research proved highly applicable. By closing the gap between the cab and the trailer, for example, researchers discovered a significant reduction in aerodynamic drag, one resulting in 20 to 25 percent less fuel consumption than the standard design. Many truck manufacturers subsequently incorporated similar modifications on their products.
ID:  ECN-4724
Credit:  NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (NASA-DFRC)
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NASA Official: Bill von Ofenheim
Sponsor: NASA STI (Scientific and Technical Information) Program
Date: 01.20.2004