Researchers Lucas Schneeberger, Stefano Discetti, and Andrea Ianiro from the University of Notre Dame have been exploring ways to reduce drag on heavy-duty vehicles, which could lead to significant fuel savings and reduced emissions in the transportation industry. Their study, published in the journal Physics of Fluids, focuses on the use of plasma actuators to control airflow separation on truck cabins, a major contributor to aerodynamic drag.
The team conducted experiments on a generalized truck model, the Ground Transportation System (GTS), to investigate the effects of dielectric-barrier discharge plasma actuators located on the A-pillars. They tested various side-wind angles up to 7.5 degrees and applied actuation individually on the leeward and windward sides, as well as simultaneously. Using a load cell, they measured both axial and side force components, and employed particle image velocimetry to identify a laminar separation bubble on both sides of the truck’s cabin.
The researchers found that the plasma actuators effectively reduced the axial force on the GTS, with higher force reduction achieved through symmetric actuation. They discovered that the leeward actuator had greater control authority than the windward one, particularly at large side-wind angles where the latter had a negligible effect on the axial force. Regarding the side force, leeward actuation decreased its magnitude, while windward actuation increased it. Interestingly, symmetric actuation also augmented the side force.
The plasma actuator’s effectiveness lies in its ability to reduce the length and width of the separation bubble on the cabin side. This reduction decreases the truck’s apparent frontal area, thereby minimizing drag. Under side wind conditions, the leeward actuator demonstrated stronger authority by reducing the size of the larger separation bubble. Additionally, the side force was weakened through the diminution of the larger recirculation region, which reduces its lateral suction force.
This research presents a promising avenue for improving the aerodynamic efficiency of heavy-duty vehicles. By implementing plasma actuators, the transportation industry could potentially achieve significant fuel savings and reduce emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.