Can dimple research reduce drag on tractor trailers?

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By Stacey S

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  • 7 Replies
  1. Stacey S

    Stacey S

    I know it is an odd question, but a while back a Mythbusters episode explored using dimples to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency by nearly 11% on an automobile. I am in a class right now exploring ways to reduce energy and improve efficiency and costs in a common industry. Being an avid golfer, I couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to take the technology of the sport and apply it to a larger scale. I would imagine some of the drawbacks would have to be around the spin of the ball verses a stationary surface, but could that be compensated by the speed of the vehicle? Bottom line question: Has this been researched, what were the results, and are there links to the research articles? Thanks.

  2. Geoffrey B

    Geoffrey B
    Celina, OH

    I think it would work definately. In a larger scale it should have a greater efficiency

  3. Quintin H

    Quintin H
    Morehead, KY

    So what did mythbusters conclude?

  4. Stacey S

    Stacey S

    They showed about an 11% increase in fuel conservation. I was hoping for something a little more scientific and if it is true, then why is it not being used?

  5. Matt M

    Matt M
    Huddersfield, 0

    Stacey S said:

    They showed about an 11% increase in fuel conservation. I was hoping for something a little more scientific and if it is true, then why is it not being used?

    Its a yes no answer. The mythbusters got an increase in efficiency because the made the car more aerodynamic with the shape of the material they put over the car. The dimples they added increased the drag on the car as the air was getting trapped in the pockets or ''dimples''. The reason there on a golf ball is to ''grab'' the airto cause spin and lift. If the mythbusters had covered the car in the material and didn't cut the dimples out of it, it would of made the car even more effecient.

  6. Garrett F

    Garrett F

    Stacey S said:

    They showed about an 11% increase in fuel conservation. I was hoping for something a little more scientific and if it is true, then why is it not being used?

    Matt, for a full comprehension of this question, we must first mention fluid mechanics. The dimples on the golf balls serve the purpose of inducing turbulent flow around the golf ball, thus reducing the pressure drag. This reduced pressure drag is what largely contributed to the increased fuel efficiency, not because the car was more aerodynamic. In fact, the car had the exact same profile except for those dimples. You can see another real world example on some semi-trucks; the aerodynamic panel skirts, or flaps on the back ends of the trailers, serve to decrease the pressure drag. It is a common misconception that a smoother surface will always be more aerodynamic.
  7. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    I just hope Matt is still alive 9 years later... :)
  8. Lance P

    Lance P
    Hillsborough, NC

    I picture Matt coming back weekly to check this thread and then finally, 9 years later, somebody finally reaches out to further the discussion! Eureka!

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