The Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association (ARTSA) chose a special location to host its most recent quarterly meeting – Monash University’s all-new ‘New Horizons’ building in Clayton, Victoria.
The new building, which is currently being finalised, will co-locate and integrate around 400 staff from Monash University and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and is supposed to create new linkages between the academic world, businesses and the community.
“ARTSA is one of the first industry associations to capitalize on the opportunity to collaborate with such a world-class institution,” said ARTSA Chairman, Dr Peter Hart. “We are very proud to be part of such an outstanding initiative.”
Monash University allowed the ARTSA delegation a look inside Australia’s only commercially used 1.4 MW wind tunnel. “Our industry is fortunate that a major investigation into next-generation aerodynamic developments is occurring at Monash University,” said Hart. “Because Australia relies on long-distance multi-combination trucks that typically travel at 100 km/h, there is tremendous potential to reduce aerodynamic drag and thereby improve fuel economy.”
The research team – including project leader Professor John Sheridan, wind tunnel manager David Burton and research students Damien McArthur and Derwin Parkin, PhD – used the opportunity to present current research projects and even some preliminary findings to the ARTSA delegation, which is based on both computational work and ‘hands-on’ experimenting. In fact, Monash Mechanical Engineering has built a 1/3-scale model of a typical Australian semi-trailer to produce real life data. The prime-mover model is based on a Kenworth K200 model, while the MaxiTRANS-inspired van is fitted with a model refrigeration unit at the front. Trailer side skirts and truck side extensions have also been included.
According to Monash Mechanical Engineering, the aerodynamic optimisation of both truck and trailer can lead to 5-10 per cent in fuel savings, but so-called third-generation features could contribute even more going forward – devices intended to reduce or prevent the development of turbulence such as deflectors, directed jets, vortex generators or even special ‘speakers’ that are able to channel the wind flow using sound waves at a certain frequency.
“It is very important that Australia develops expertise in aerodynamics because we have some much to gain. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will be an important social obligation on our industry into the future. Fortunately, improved fuel economy can more then pay for the costs of aerodynamic improvements,” Hart said.
“Australia is the world leader when it comes to the development and application of multi-combination and specialist heavy vehicles. We are developers and not just technology takers. It is important that our industry has the knowledge to optimise its vehicle designs. The Monash University Industry Project will provide the knowledge and the trained people to do this. I will keep you informed as this important project proceeds.”