The future of freight: NWTF team design AI-assisted, moveable flaps to cut aerodynamic drag on trucks
A research team at Imperial College has characterised the dynamic air flow around a scale model truck, informing the design of intelligent, adjustable flaps to reduce drag and cut fuel consumption.
Transport is responsible for around one-fifth of global CO2 emissions. For freight trucks with combustion engines, it has been estimated that about 65% of the total fuel is consumed by aerodynamics drag.
The research team are investigating aerodynamic strategies at the National Wind Tunnel Facility as part of a wider project around AI for NetZero.
The team is led by Dr Georgios Rigas (Reader) and Dr Isabella Fumarola (Research Fellow).
