Aerodynamic Configurator for Transport (ACT): reducing haulage sector drags, costs and emissions

The ACT project will develop a web based application for performing virtual aerodynamic simulations of HGVs. We usually conduct these studies on Formula One racing cars to help designers make them go faster; instead of making lorries faster, we are interested in reducing the amount of fuel they use and reducing their emissions so they do less harm to the environment. Using technology known as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the app will calculate how well a lorry cuts through air as it is driven along. Usually, to use CFD you need expensive computers and software. You also need skilled engineers with specialist knowledge to use them. Our app will be jargon free and work in a web browser so the maximum number of people possible can use it. To find how aerodynamic a lorry is, users simply pick from the range of different cabs, trailers, and modifications then click ‘Simulate’, sit back and wait for the computer to work out how efficient that combination is. Giving haulage companies the ability to try out different configurations of HVG quickly and easily will help them to pick the most efficient cabs and trailers to use, dramatically reducing the cost of shipping and reducing greenhouse emissions, making the environment healthier for everyone.