Last modified: 2026-07-28
Abstract
This study investigates the aerodynamic performance of heavy-duty truck platoons in the context of the increasing demand for energy-efficient freight transport. The objective is to evaluate the influence of platooning configurations on aerodynamic drag and flow behavior. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed using ANSYS CFX, considering multiple convoy arrangements with varying inter-vehicle spacing, the number of vehicles, and relative positioning within the platoon. The numerical model was used to compute drag coefficients and analyze flow structures around and between vehicles. The results indicate a consistent reduction in aerodynamic drag for vehicles operating in a platoon compared to isolated configurations, with the magnitude of reduction depending on spacing distance and vehicle position. While the leading vehicle experiences moderate changes, following vehicles benefit from significantly lower drag due to wake interactions. These findings demonstrate the potential of optimized platooning strategies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce energy consumption in heavy-duty transport, supporting their implementation in modern intelligent transportation systems.