Aerodynamic Study of Bulk Commodity Tractor Trailers

Our project goal is to test aerodynamic features of four existing tractor trailers in order to reduce emissions. This will be accomplished by studying and comparing the drag coefficients of each design. Our designs will be created with either 3D printing and/or laser cutting technology.

Problem Definition
Semi-trucks are used all over the world for transporting goods. They provide easy and affordable methods to keep economies running. The downside is that semi-trucks produce a lot of carbon-dioxide pollution from their exhaust. If the trailers they tow are improved aerodynamically, that carbon-dioxide production can be minimized. Western Trailer Company, headquartered in Boise, ID, has four main tractor trailer models, which are a flat-floor trailer, drop-center trailer, hopper trailer, and pup trailer. The Trailer Park Boys are tasked with testing and simulating these models in various configurations so improvements can be made to meet new tractor trailer requirements that will be implemented in 2018.

Design Goals

1. Determining the drag effects of different trailer models.

2. Decreasing the CO2 production rate when towing a trailer.

3. Improving fuel economy when towing a trailer.

Deliverables

- Create scaled down models using 3D-printing and/or laser cutting technology.

- Gather data from wind tunnel testing.

- Compare data of the different trailer models.

Specifications



Concept Development



Team Members
From left to right:

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 * style = "text-align: center;" | Member
 * style = "text-align: center;" | About
 * style = "text-align: center;" | Discipline
 * style = "text-align: center;" | Discipline


 * - align = "center"
 * Brandon Hilliard
 * Brandon Hilliard is a Mechanical Engineering Senior at the University of Idaho. His interest in mechanical things began when he was working on cars with his father. Originally, he was planning on becoming an automotive technician, but he also wanted to learn how to design mechanical systems, such as an automobile, so he chose to become a mechanical engineer. His interests in the mechanical engineering field include heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and mechanical design. Outside of school, he enjoys playing basketball, playing guitar, cooking, and drag racing.
 * Mechanical Engineering


 * - align = "center"
 * Liam Johnson


 * - align = "center"
 * Jacob Frost