journal article·2025-09-03Open access

Developments in Drag Reduction Methods and Devices for Road Vehicles

Michael Gerard Connolly, Alojz Ivankovic, Malachy J. O’Rourke

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 17

Abstract

This study presents new developments in novel drag reduction devices for road vehicles, focusing on the use of inflatable and alternative material rear drag reduction devices that employ both a single- and multi-cavity approach. The effectiveness of these devices is assessed through on-road testing using constant power measurements to evaluate the resulting drag reductions. Surface pressure measurements collected during testing are compared with CFD predictions, using both the RANS and HLES methods to evaluate how accurately pressure changes are modelled when the devices are fitted to the test vehicles. A novel method for analysing vehicle surface flow in real-world conditions is also introduced, involving the capture and processing of video-recorded tuft imagery to determine appropriate means and standard deviations for the surface flow behaviour. Additionally, the study presents the latest advancements in multi-cavity drag reduction device design, along with considerations on how such devices can significantly enhance the benefits of vehicle platooning.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Aerodynamics and Fluid Dynamics Research · Vehicle Dynamics and Control Systems · Vehicle emissions and performance

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, D04 PR94 Dublin, Ireland

Funding

Irish Research Council · Science Foundation Ireland

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