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CFD Analysis of Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Pickup Truck 

Simulating 30 m/s airflow to uncover pressure hotspots and optimize drag.

Skills Gained

Research Replication

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OBJECTIVE

Perform a high-fidelity CFD study to

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  1. Simulate 30 m/s external airflow over a 1:12 pickup-truck model.

  2. Replicate & validate pressure-coefficient curves and drag forces from the 2009 Clemson & GM R&D study.

  3. Execute a mesh-independence analysis to lock in an optimal ~2.9 M-element mesh.

  4. Compare “tailgate up” versus “tailgate down” to quantify their effects on bed-region turbulence and overall drag.

My Process

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Body Of Influence

Geometry prep

To the mesher

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To the solver after 5 'Not responding' 

errors 🫠

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  • A realizable k-epsilon turbulence model used to solve turbulence flows.

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Optimum Mesh chosen

Results & discussion

Velocity Contour

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  • Peak velocity above roof → streamlined flow downstream.

  • Recirculating bubble in truck bed → source of extra drag.

Red zones show flow acceleration over the cab; recirculation in the bed.

  • Front bumper pressure peak correlates with drag force.

  • Pressure drop over hood → lift considerations for vehicle stability.

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Pressure Contour

High pressure at bumper & windscreen due to stagnation.

Validation

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 Cp curves mirror the 2009 Clemson & GM study’s trends, with minor offsets attributed to reference-pressure choices and coordinate origins

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tailgate up or down?

Tailgate Down

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More turbulence thus increasing resistance​

Tailgate Up

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Less turbulence ; reduced resistance​

Closing the tailgate cuts bed-region turbulence & drag by ~10%, which can translate to a 2–3% boost in highway fuel efficiency on long drives.

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