A recent third-party computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study conducted by CD-adapco showed SmartTruck’s UT6 trailer aerodynamics system reduces drag, translating into potential fuel savings. The CD-adapco study found the system reduces drag by more than 10 percent which equates to highway fuel savings of approximately 7 percent.
“The science, technology and savings that go into our suite of aerodynamic solutions are significant, so we’re not surprised to see these results,” said Mike Henderson, chief scientist for SmartTruck. “Where the science hits the highway though is the spot where the trucking industry is able to save money. These results are right in line with not only SmartTruck’s internal testing using multiple methods, but also with what our customers are reporting out on the road—even in comparison to other aerodynamic products.”
Along with using SAE J1321 testing, SmartTruck is at the forefront of additional testing methods like CFD and coast down testing. SmartTruck also uses smaller fleets and owner-operators to provide real-world results—results that match up with its many other testing methods.
“We won’t release a commercial product into the market until we have consistent performance numbers from our multi-legged testing approach. Relying on a single test isn’t good enough,” said Henderson. “This way when our customers get the product, we have full confidence in the fuel performance they will see.”
“We are getting 3 percent better fuel performance with SmartTruck’s UnderTray System than with the sideskirts we were using,” said Gwen LuDuke, director of maintenance, Megatrux Transportation.
CD-adapco is the world's largest independent CFD-focused provider of engineering simulation software, support and services. They have more than 30 years of experience in delivering industrial strength engineering simulation. The full report will be available in November, providing additional analysis and methodology for the study results.
