The Need

Heavy-duty trucks consume significant fuel during highway operation, with aerodynamic drag representing a major source of energy loss and operating expense. As fleet operators face increasing pressure to reduce fuel costs, improve vehicle efficiency, and lower emissions, there is a growing need for practical aerodynamic solutions that can be integrated into existing trailer designs. Current drag-reduction technologies often involve add-on components, increased complexity, or limited effectiveness, creating demand for solutions that deliver meaningful efficiency gains while maintaining durability and operational practicality.

The Technology

OSU engineers have developed a novel trailer sidewall architecture designed to improve airflow management around tractor-trailer combinations and reduce aerodynamic drag. Inspired by naturally occurring flow-efficient structures, the platform incorporates advanced surface geometries that modify airflow patterns along the trailer and around the vehicle wake. Experimental and computational studies have demonstrated that these designs can improve rear-pressure characteristics and reduce aerodynamic losses. The technology can be implemented in multiple design configurations, offering flexibility for different trailer platforms and manufacturing approaches.

Benefits/Advantages

• Results showed drag coefficient reduction by 12.9% in wind tunnel experiments.
• Across the U.S. fleet of tractor-trailers, 3 billion liters (780 million gallons) of fuel could be saved each year, translating to billions of dollars.
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions.