An Investigation of Aerodynamic Effects of Body Morphing for Passenger Cars in Close-Proximity

The potential energy-saving benefit for vehicles when travelling in a ‘platoon’ formation results from the reduction total aerodynamic drag which may result interaction of bluff bodies close-proximity. Early investigations platooning, prompted by problems congestion, had shown but was not pursued. More recently, technologies developed connected-autonomous vehicle control have provided renewed interest platooning particularly within commercial industry. To date, most aerodynamics-based considerations been conducted to assess sensitivity drag-saving spacing and were based on formations identically shaped constituents. In this study, shape individual platoon A new reference car, Resnick model, specially designed include front rear-end add-on sections make distinct changes profile form simulate large-scale body morphing. wind tunnel tests small-scale models suggested that current trends low-drag styling provide ideal constituent members optimised forms are likely be dependent upon position platoon.