Analysis of Variations in Tub Cover Tarpaulin Shape against Airflow Patterns and Pressure Distribution Characteristics on Pickup Trucks with the Addition of Roof Deflector

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the airflow pattern and pressure distribution characteristics of a pickup truck with a roof deflector added. with an angle of curvature of 20° and is accompanied by the installation of a tarpaulin cover on the body of the pickup truck. The method used in this study is an experimental method by testing 6 specimens, namely a pickup truck added with a roof deflector without using a tarp or baseline, a pickup truck added with a roof deflector fitted with a tonneau cover tarp (type A), aerocap tarpaulin with an angle of 0° (type B). and 12° (type C), and cincing type tarpaulin with a foot angle of 15° (type D) and 30° (type E) in a wind tunnel with a speed of 5.47 m/s. The more aerodynamic the use of tarpaulin, the more the blockage mass will be reduced so that it can produce a streamlined flow pattern. The results showed that the pickup truck added with a roof deflector with a 15° cincing tarp had a stable Cp value fluctuation at the rear of the pickup truck, while the pickup truck added a roof deflector with a 12° aerocap tarp. as well as produce aerodynamic flow thereby reducing the occurrence of blockage mass and obstacles.