Study of the Flow Characteristics Due to the Effect of Offsetting in Platoon of Sport Utility Vehicles

Abstract In this article, CFD analysis carried out to study the flow Characteristics due to the effect of offsetting in platoon of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) using OpenFOAM software. Platoon of three bodies of SUV in tandem are considered. Effect of spacing of SUV platoon on drag coefficient assessed. CFD analysis of full scale SUV performed at speed of 80 km/hr for vehicle spacing from 0.25 to 2 times length of SUV It is observed that average drag coefficient of platoon is lower than that of standalone single SUV for range of spacing considered by 24%. Thus effect of platooning results in fuel saving. Also effect of offset of middle car in platoon by 10%, 20% and 30% assessed on average drag coefficient of platoon. Offset of middle car in platoon results in increased platoon average drag coefficient to extend of 6.61% as compared to inline platoon. Thus in platooning it is better to maintain SUV straight-line to get full benefit of platooning.