Tuesday 13 March 2012

Formula One science helps Morrisons trucks save fuel

Engineers are using a technique from Formula One racing cars to help Morrisons trucks save fuel.

Experts at Sheffield Hallam University claim they helped a Barnsley-based tanker manufacturer potentially reduce the major supermarket's fuel use by up to 10%.

The team at Hallam Energy used drag analysis to examine the aerodynamic performance of the tanker firm's trailers - which have a short cab and a longer trailer or "tanker". The researchers focused on making the space between the two units more aerodynamic to lower the fuel consumption.

Dr Andrew Young from Hallam Energy said: "Any disruption to the air flow caused by the tractor has to be tolerated by the tanker and this is where significant gains in performance can be realised.

"We were able to identify massive potential cost savings that go beyond existing research into tanker fuel consumption."