Numerical investigation of aerodynamic characteristics of generic pickup trucks

Abstract

In the present study, aerodynamic properties of modified generic pickup trucks were investigated by means of finite volume method. Steady, three-dimensional and turbulent flows over the pickup trucks were solved by standard k-epsilon turbulence model. An experimentally investigated two-dimensional pickup truck found in the open literature was used as a benchmark case and some modifications were done on it by closing the sides of the bed first. Then a tonneau was used to close the top of the box and finally, a canopy was used to cover the box completely from the tailgate to the cab roof. Simulations reveal that such modifications that were done on the reference case improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicles in terms of drag coefficient. With respect to the original case, the drag coefficient reduces approximately 50%, 30% and 20% by using a canopy, a tonneau and closing all sides except top of the bed. Such decreases in drag coefficient was achieved because every modification prevents the flow separation more effectively around the bed and behind the cab. Regardless of the shape of the bed, the drag coefficient decreases with increasing Reynolds (Re) number up to Re=120x10(3). It seems that this is the critical Reynolds number since drag coefficient does not change considerably with Re any more.