Aerodynamic Forces Experienced by a 3-Vehicle Platoon in a Crosswind

Bogdan Marcu; Fred Browand

doi:10.4271/1999-01-1324

1999-03-01

Aerodynamic Forces Experienced by a 3-Vehicle Platoon in a Crosswind 1999-01-1324

Axial force, side force and yawing moment are measured on each member of a three-vehicle platoon subject to crosswind conditions. The longitudinal spacing between vehicles is varied from 0 to 0.72 vehicle lengths in a large set of combinations covering both symmetric and non-symmetric configurations. Crosswind is simulated by yawing the platoon ten degrees with respect to the axis of the wind tunnel. Axial forces are significantly smaller for close-following. At a spacing of 0.1 vehicle lengths, the average axial force coefficient at yaw is diminished to about 61% of the value for a single vehicle at yaw. The air stream is redirected by the presence of the platoon so as to diminish side forces and yawing moments on trailing vehicles.

SAE MOBILUS

Subscribers can view annotate, and download all of SAE's content. Learn More »

Access SAE MOBILUS »

Digital $37.00 Print $37.00

Preview Document

We also recommend:

Standards

SAE Mobilus®

Publications

News

Events

Professional Development

A World in Motion (PreK-12)

Participate with SAE

SAE Membership

Donate

Aerodynamic Forces Experienced by a 3-Vehicle Platoon in a Crosswind 1999-01-1324

SAE MOBILUS