Fleetowner Com Sites Fleetowner com Files Uploads 2015 11 Wind2
Fleetowner Com Sites Fleetowner com Files Uploads 2015 11 Wind2
Fleetowner Com Sites Fleetowner com Files Uploads 2015 11 Wind2
Fleetowner Com Sites Fleetowner com Files Uploads 2015 11 Wind2
Fleetowner Com Sites Fleetowner com Files Uploads 2015 11 Wind2

Shrinking the wind tunnel, boosting the fuel savings

Nov. 17, 2015
Plunking down $30 million on a wind tunnel designed to test small-sized clay models of cars and light trucks might seem a bit rich for most of us (not for the federal government, of course) but General Motors, for one, believes such “reduced scale” wind tunnel testing will help it improve the aerodynamic profile of
Plunking down $30 million on a wind tunnel designed to test small-sized clay models of cars and light trucks might seem a bit rich for most of us (not for the federal government, of course) but General Motors, for one, believes such “reduced scale” wind tunnel testing will help it improve the aerodynamic profile of its vehicles – generating fuel savings as well as helping the OEM comply with impending greenhouse gas (GHG) rules.

This new 35,000-sq.-ft. “reduced scale” wind tunnel – located in Warren, MI, next to the automaker’s “full size” wind tunnel unit, in use since 1980 – is equipped with a conveyor-style rolling road system that simulates real-world highway driving conditions up to a top speed of 155 mph.

[For more photos of its “reduced scale” wind tunnel, click here.]

On top of that, advanced 3D printing machines create underbodies and engine blocks that are detailed and to scale for the reduced sized clay models, according to the OEM.

Fully working suspensions with spinning wheels allows GM's aerodynamic engineers to better examine how airflow affects a vehicle’s underbody while in motion, resulting in quieter as well as more fuel efficient cars and trucks, the company said.

Ken Morris, GM’s VP of for global product integrity, added that the OEM is going to upgrade its full-size wind tunnel next year with its own full-scale rolling road system and other improvements – giving the automaker a “fuller range” of ways to design more fuel-sipping vehicles.

It’ll be interesting to see what kinds of fuel savings the OEM will eventually wring out of its new wind tunnel test facility.

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr 1 | Senior Editor

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!