Flexible cross flow vortex trap device for reducing the aerodynamic drag of ground vehicles

Abstract

An improved device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of multiple component vehicles by reducing the pressure on the front face of the trailing vehicle or vehicle component by controlling the flow in the gap between the leading vehicle component and the trailing vehicle component. An improved device for generating a reduction in the drag force on a bluff face object moving through air. The device consist of the application of a plurality of forward extending surfaces that are positioned adjacent to one another on the forward facing surface of a bluff face object and are aligned parallel to the object center line and perpendicular to the local flow direction. The reduction in drag force results from the summation of a plurality of local reductions in drag force generated by the interaction of vortex structures emanating from the leading edges of the plurality of forward extending surfaces with the forward facing surface of a blunt face object. The objects and advantages also extend to other applications in which an object or vehicle is moving through either a gas or fluid.