Vehicle platooning of DrivAer model at different flow regimes: Effect on aerodynamic forces

Abstract

Vehicle platooning, where vehicles travel in close proximity to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve efficiency, is increasingly feasible with advances in autonomous driving technologies. This study examines the aerodynamic forces acting on two and three vehicles in series at different spacings, corresponding to the extended-body, reattachment, and co-shedding regimes. Results reveal a 50.6 % reduction in drag coefficient for the front vehicle and a 65 % increase in downforce for the rear vehicle in the extended-body regime. These findings highlight significant potential for decreasing drag effect and stability in platooning scenarios. A similar trend is observed for three vehicles, with the first and second vehicles having the lowest drag coefficients and the third vehicle experiencing the highest downforce.