Abstract

This paper describes a series of wind tunnel tests performed on a 1/50th scale articulated tractor-trailer model mounted on a model bridge deck. The tests were performed in low turbulence flow and with a simulation of atmospheric turbulence produced by a grid placed in the entrance of the working section of the wind tunnel. The results taken, for both the low turbulence and turbulent flows, included: measurements of the vehicle forces and moments, surface pressure measurements and surface flow visualisation test. For the turbulent flow wind and force spectra measurements were also made. The results obtained show the effect that turbulence has on the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle, especially in the lowering of the roof pressures causing a significant increase in the lift force. The results also show the importance of turbulence simulation when assessing accident risk.

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