Improving aerodynamic characteristics for drag reduction of heavy truck

Abstract Significant increasing vehicle performance can be achieved by reducing aerodynamic drag because of rising average speeds and reducing fuel consumption. Russian truck manufacturers do not prioritize the truck aerodynamic issues, therefore majority of existed models has a very high value of drag coefficient, and moreover, vehicles older than 10 years predominate in operation. In this regard, against the background of rising prices for liquid fuel, the reduction in aerodynamic drag allows to solve the problems posed. The article presents the results of a study of the aerodynamic drag coefficient for KAMAZ heavy truck when using a set of cab fairings of different shapes. Using the software, the analysis of the influence of the shape of the fairing on the coefficient of air resistance of the car is made. As a result, fuel economy is calculated taking into account the selected optimal cab fairing and cab–side extenders from the aerodynamic drag coefficient