• Journal of the Korean Society of Visualization
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.8-13
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• 2023

The primary challenge in improving fuel efficiency and reducing air pollution for commercial vehicles is reducing their aerodynamic drag. Various flow control devices, such as cab-roof fairing, gap fairing, cab extender, and side skirt have been introduced to reduce drag, however, the drag reduction effect and applicability are different depending on each commercial vehicle model. To evaluate the fuel consumption of heavy vehicles, a comprehensive research approach, including drag force measurement, flow field analysis is required. This study investigated the effect of a cab extender, which installed rear region of cab, on a drag coefficient of commercial vehicle through wind tunnel experiments and CFD. The results showed that the cab extender significantly modified the flow structure around the vehicle, leading to 8.2% reduction in drag coefficient compared to the original vehicle model. These results would provide practical application for enhancing the aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency of heavy vehicle.