Trailer tail

Trailer tail at the rear of a semi-trailer in 2013

A trailer tail, boat tail, or rear fairing is an aerodynamic device intended to improve the fuel economy of semi-trailer trucks. It comprises a set of panels, usually collapsible, which fold out from the rear of the trailer, creating a tapered shape that reduces drag from the low-pressure wake created behind the trailer. Trailer tails are one form of aerodynamic technology verified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Partnership.[1] Trailer tails alone have demonstrated a fuel savings of 1%–5%, and in concert with trailer skirts, 9% improvement has been demonstrated.[2]

History

A U.S. patent was issued on August 30, 1898 to a George J. Capewell for an "air-resistance device for railway-vehicles" which "can be attached to any locomotive, motor-car, or similar vehicle".[3]

SuperTruck project

At least one model of trailer tail, trade named TrailerTail, is part of Navistar's SuperTruck project,[4] which will use $37 million of US Department of Energy grants to build next generation trucks and tractor trailers.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Learn About SmartWay Verified Aerodynamic Devices". U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  2. ↑ "SmartWay Verified List of Aerodynamic Devices". U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  3. ↑ U.S. patent 609789 A, George J. Capewell, "Air-resistance device for railway-vehicles", published August 30, 1898
  4. ↑ Navistar SuperTruck Archived July 17, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
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