Forum Discussion
ShinerBock
Aug 16, 2018Explorer
Robert, if you want to read more about why Europe is predominantly cabovers then here is a good read. It is even written by a European from Volvo trucks so you you won't say it is bias.
http://extras.springer.com/2009/978-3-642-44355-8/papers/0041/00410469.pdf
http://extras.springer.com/2009/978-3-642-44355-8/papers/0041/00410469.pdf
Abstract The aerodynamic situation for trucks on the European market differs from that in North America on a number of points. Perhaps the most significant difference is that in Europe trucks are of the CoE configuration (Cab over Engine) and in North America trucks are of the conventional type with a hood. Another major difference is that trucks in Europe are speed limited to 90 km/h (56 mph) which of course means that aerodynamics as a whole has less of an impact there. These differences are primarily dictated by different legislations, which in turn have a lot of different side effects. This paper will high-light some of the differences and their impact on aerodynamics, as well as taking a look at possible future ideas such as: extended front or short nose, ride height adjustments, convoy driving, etc.
Introduction Historically most trucks have been of the conventional type. But with the increasing need to make transportation more effective, maximizing load at the expense of space for the driver, has predominantly in Europe, resulted in trucks with the Cab placed on top of the engine (CoE). All these constraints are regulated by legislations. These legislations are, and have been, very different in European compared to in North America. (There are differences in other parts of the world but those will not be considered here). Of all different legislations it is the ones concerning the length, height, width, weight which has had the biggest impact on the over all shape of the trucks, and hence the aerodynamics. But there are also differences in culture, infrastructure and geography which have contributed in making the detailed design of trucks on the two continents different.
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