Aerodynamic Drag Force Estimation of a Truck Trailer Model Using Artificial Neural Network

Prediction of the drag forces acting on truck trailer with/without spoiler is carried out by using artificial neural network (ANN). ANN model data set include the experiments of spoiler positions which have zero level to trailer front corner, -2 mm, -4.5 mm, -9 mm, +4.5 mm and +9 mm offset and truck trailer without spoiler. The experiments were carried out in the wind tunnel for number of ten free stream velocities of 4.6, 6.2, 7.8, 9.4, 11.0, 12.6, 14.2, 15.8, 17.45 and 19.3 m/s which are corresponds to Reynolds numbers range between 1.0x105 and 5.0x105. Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is obtained as 2.24% for training, 3.75% for validation and 7.58% for testing in the prediction of the drag forces. Prediction performance of the developed ANN model has very good accuracy. According to drag coefficients results, Reynolds independent for truck trailer model is obtained at Reynolds number between 1.97x105 and 4.89x105. For spoiler position cases, while minimum drag coefficient acting truck trailer with spoiler is seen at – 2mm offset, maximum drag coefficient is seen at -9 mm offset. The maximum drag reduction is 22.6 % at the position of -2 mm spoiler offset in Re = 3.2x105.

___

  • References
  • M. Amitay, D.R. Smith, V. Kibens, D.E. Parekh, A. Glezer, "Aerodynamic flow control over an unconventional airfoil using synthetic jet actuators", AIAA J. Vol. 39, pp. 361–370, 2001.
  • M. El-Alti, V. Chernoray, P. Kjellgren, L. Hjelm, L. Davidson, "Computations and full-scale tests of active flow control applied on a VOLVO truck-trailer in Aerodyn. Heavy Veh. III ", Springer International Publishing, Vol. 79, pp. 253–267, 2016.
  • Y.E. Akansu, E. Fırat, "Control of flow around a square prism by slot jet injection from the rear surface", Exp. Therm. Fluid Sci., Vol. 34, pp. 906–914, 2010.
  • Y.E. Akansu, F. Karakaya, A. Şanlısoy, "Active control of flow around naca 0015 airfoil by using DBD plasma actuator", EPJ Web Conf., Vol. 45, pp. 1008, 2013.
  • Y.E. Akansu, M. Sarioglu, T. Yavuz, "Flow around a rotatable circular cylinder-plate body at subcritical Reynolds numbers", AIAA J., Vol. 42, pp. 1073–1080, 2004.
  • M. Sarioglu, Y.E. Akansu, T. Yavuz, "Flow around a rotatable square cylinder-plate body", AIAA J., Vol. 44, pp. 1065–1072, 2006.
  • P. Gilliéron, A. Kourta, "Aerodynamic drag reduction by vertical splitter plates", Exp. Fluids., Vol.48, pp. 1–16, 2010.
  • M. Özel, E. Aygün, Y.E. Akansu, C. Bayındırlı, M. Seyhan, The passive flow control around a truck-trailer model / Bir kamyon römork modeli etrafındaki pasif akış kontrolü, Int. J. Automot. Eng. Technol., Vol. 4, Issue 4, pp. 185-192, 2016.
  • Y.E. Akansu, C. Bayindirli, M. Seyhan, "The improvement of drag force on a truck trailer vehicle by passive flow control methods", Journal Therm. Sci. Technol., Vol. 36, pp. 133–141, 2016.
  • M. El-Alti, V. Chernoray, M. Jahanmiri, L. Davidson, "Experimental and computational studies of active flow control on a model truck-trailer", EPJ Web Conf., Vol. 25, pp. 01012, 2012.
  • G.M.R. Van Raemdonck, M.J.L. Van Tooren, "Numerical and Wind Tunnel Analysis Together with Road Test of Aerodynamic Add-Ons for Trailers in Aerodyn. Heavy Veh. III", Springer
  • International Publishing, Vol. 79, pp. 237–252, 2016.
  • G. Fourrié, L. Keirsbulck, L. Labraga, P.
  • Gilliéron, "Bluff-body drag reduction using a deflector", Exp. Fluids., Vol. 50, pp. 385–395, 2011.
  • W.R. Lanser, J.C. Ross, A.E. Kaufman, "Aerodynamic Performance of a Drag Reduction Device on a Full-Scale Tractor/Trailer", SAE Technical Paper, 1991.
  • B. Khalighi, S. Zhang, C. Koromilas, S.R. Balkanyi, L.P. Bernal, G. Iaccarino, P. Moin, "Experimental and Computational Study of Unsteady Wake Flow Behind a Bluff Body with a Drag Reduction Device", SAE Technical Paper, 2001.
  • C. Bayındırlı, Y.E. Akansu, M.S. Salman, The Determination Of Aerodynamic Drag Coefficient Of Truck and Trailer Model By Wind Tunnel Tests, Int. J. Automot. Eng. Technol. Vol. 5, Issue 2, pp. 56-60, 2016.
  • C. Bayındırlı, Y.E. Akansu, M.S. Salman, D. Çolak, "The Numerical Investigation of Aerodynamic Structures of Truck and Trailer Combinations", Int. J. Automot. Eng. Technol. Vol. 4, Issue 3, pp. 139-145, 2015.
  • C.M. Bishop, Neural networks and their applications, Rev. Sci. Instrum. Vol. 65, pp. 1803–1832, 1994.
  • J.-D. Wu, J.-C. Liu, "Development of a predictive system for car fuel consumption using an artificial neural network", Expert Syst. Appl., Vol. 38, pp. 4967–4971, 2011.
  • D.F. Kurtulus, "Ability to forecast unsteady aerodynamic forces of flapping airfoils by artificial neural network", Neural Comput. Appl. Vol., 18, pp. 359–368, 2009.
  • J.C. Ross, C.C. Jorgenson, M. Norgaard, Reducing wind tunnel data requirements using neural networks, (1997).
  • R.L. McMillen, J.E. Steck, K. Rokhsaz, "Application of an artificial neural network as a flight test data estimator", J. Aircr. Vol. 32, pp. 1088–1094, 1995.
  • C.M. Ha, "Neural Networks Approach to AIAA Aircraft Control Design Challenge", Vol. 18, 1995.
  • A. Paksoy, S. Aradag, Artificial Neural Network based prediction of time-dependent behavior for lid-driven cavity flows, J. Therm. Sci. Technol., Vol. 35, pp. 1–18, 2015.
  • C.D. Lewis, "Industrial and Business Forecasting Methods", Butterworth Scientific, London, 1982.