Surfing with Semi's

[bertusgeert 1]

I had a discussion with a buddy as we were driving past some semis. He theorized that you could "surf" the pressure wave caused by a semi (by staying close to the front of the semi), similar to surfing a wave behind a boat.

He claims that it would save fuel. I say BS, besides being unpractical on the interstate, you would not be able to surf a "lateral" wave that the semi causes.

Does anyone know of any virtual wind tunnels that I could "draw" a semi and see the airflow?
(similar to a discussion in the BASE forum)

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As jy dom is moet jy bloei!

[unformed 0]

try it out, and get video .... this sounds cool ...

This ad space for sale.

[Brains 2]

Of course, you could save even more fuel by having them just push you I would bet he meant "drafting" behind them.

Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you.

[Icon134 0]

I don't think he's talking about surfing himself... but placing his automobile in the displaced air zone of a semi... thereby reducing the drag created while driving in still air...

I'm interested to see if there are any studies/results as well... I might have to look for some info as well...

Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife...

[airtwardo 7]

I don't think he's talking about surfing himself... but placing his automobile in the displaced air zone of a semi... thereby reducing the drag created while driving in still air...

I'm interested to see if there are any studies/results as well... I might have to look for some info as well...

***

BTDT!

Had a '72 Beetle that after several bottles of 'driver fuel' I could put a foot or two behind a semi going 70 plus...it would 'pull' the bug along on a flat surface in neutral.

Tires had to be over inflated..and the windows up~less drag.
And... it wouldn't work much below 70mph.

Really keeps ya awake staring at the BRAKE LIGHTS!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[BillyVance 35]

Quote

Of course, you could save even more fuel by having them just push you I would bet he meant "drafting" behind them.

I would have thought you could save gas by drafting behind the semis, tail-gating them actually.

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[airtwardo 7]

I would have thought you could save gas by drafting behind the semis, tail-gating them actually.

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Jeeze Billy~

I just said that...weren't you listening.....oh....
NEVER MIND!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[NickDG 23]

Down at the Borderland DZ (Otay Lakes) in San Diego in about '79 or '80 we did something we called "Roofing."

At night we'd stand on the hood, roof, or bed of pick-up trucks tearing down the back roads while wearing Balloon Suits . . . At first the flyer concentrated on staying relative with the truck, once airborne, you had to count on the driver staying relative to you.

However, my definition of surfing a semi is this photo . . .

NickD BASE 194

[Skolls081102 0]

Honestly, I don;t believe that there would be a pressure wave in front of a semi- and even if there was, it would be so small that I don;t think it would have an effect.
Now drafting is a whole nother ball game- I drafted behind a semi on 195 doing 75 mph. Its wierd when you finally get into the drafting zone and you feel the car being pulled.

The sole intention, is learning to fly.Condition grounded, but determined to try.Can't keep my eyes from the circling skies.Tongue tied and twisted, just an Earth bound misfit.

[mnealtx 0]

I've drafted *behind* a semi before.... went from 35mpg to 45mpg for that tank... long distance truckers are nice to run with....

I don't think "surfing" the bow wave would work very well, though....

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706