Understanding Tractor Trailer Aerodynamics Using a Time Accurate Approach

 

Learn multi-block hybrid meshing techniques to improve mesh quality and concentrate mesh density in areas of interest.

In the United States, 70 percent of freight tonnage is transported by tractor trailers each year. Tractor trailers spend much of their time at highway speeds, resulting in 65 percent of their fuel consumption being used to overcome aerodynamic drag. Consequently, it is essential to understand the source of this aerodynamic drag and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is the perfect tool to identify and diagnose these issues.

Watch this webinar showing how SU2 was used for a transient simulation conducted to capture near body drag and wake drag phenomena with a Delayed Detached Eddy model based on the Shear Stress Transport turbulence. The control over mesh topology and boundary layer generation within Pointwise provided a mesh best suited for this simulation.

Discover how to:

  • Manage mesh topology to improve mesh quality and intelligently resolve flow phenomena.
  • Gain insight into the systemic aerodynamic drag problem faced by the commercial trucking industry.
  • Mitigate geometric pinch points in the tire-ground contact regions using Pointwise.
 
David E. Manosalvas-Kjono, Ph.D.

David E. Manosalvas-Kjono, Ph.D.

Aeromutable

Dr. David Manosalvas-Kjono is an engineer, scientist, and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University, a B.S in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University, an A.S in Integrated Engineering Technology from College of DuPage, and a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is the co-founder and CEO of the Aeromutable Corporation, is passionate about working at the intersection of science and economics, and is focusing on the development of technology to improve the efficiency and profitability of the trucking industry.

 
Joshua Dawson

Joshua Dawson

Pointwise, Inc.

Joshua Dawson joined our Technical Sales Team in January of 2019. Prior to Pointwise, Mr. Dawson worked for two years as a Department of Defense Contractor with Applied Research Associates in simulating extreme thermal environments following high explosive detonations. Mr. Dawson earned a B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2004. In 2015, Mr. Dawson earned an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.

 

Watch Now