Design Expertise Can Help Improve the Aerodynamics of Commercial Vehicles

In recent years, the commercial trucking industry has been focusing on improving aerodynamics to enhance fuel efficiency. This involves reducing turbulent airflow and extending laminar airflow around vehicles. Turbulent airflow creates drag and resistance, reducing fuel efficiency, while laminar airflow moves smoothly along the truck body, reducing resistance. 

The goal is to extend the laminar airflow range using strategically engineered components like skirts, extenders and baffles, designed through wind tunnel testing. These efforts are crucial for improving fuel efficiency regardless of the drivetrain type, whether for ICS, BEV or hybrid vehicles. 

A Few Tweaks Make a Big Difference 

Cooper Standard ISG collaborates with OEM's to bring design concepts to life, offering expertise in optimizing manufacturability and real-world performance. 

This partnership may involve adjustments like optimizing thickness for extrusion efficiency or recommending materials like TPV over EPDM or blends of materials for enhanced performance based on various factors such as function, temperature ranges, UV resistance, weatherability and ozone exposure. 

By refining designs, weight reduction and improved aerodynamics can be achieved, leading to benefits such as reduced shipping costs, easier assembly and potential fuel efficiency improvements. 

For example, we collaborated with a renowned OEM decrease the weight of a 50-pound part by 30%, while maintaining all performance and laminar flow objectives. With this initiative we not only helped the customer cut production costs, but we also facilitated quicker and safer installation by technicians. Additionally, the OEM saved thousands of dollars on logistics, packaging, and dunnage costs from freight on board locating. 

We can help you optimize aerodynamic parts on your current projects, reducing costs and improving overall performance. Contact us to explore how we can enhance aerodynamic components in your environment for cost-effective and optimized performance.