Improving snow plowing safety and efficiency using computational and experimental approaches: Rear side of snow plow truck.

The main objectives of this study were to explore the means of reducing or eliminating snow build-up on rear warning lights and snow cloud in the wake of snowplow trucks during high-speed snowplowing (HSSP). These snow build-up on rear surfaces and snow cloud in the wake zone cause serious safety and efficiency problems due to diminishing visibility for the following motorists and amount of time needed to clear snow off from rear surfaces of snowplows. Furthermore, research and studies were carried out to solve the visibility problems experienced by the State of Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) snowplow trucks. Fluent 6.3.26 and ANSYS Fluent 12.1 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were utilized, and field tests were conducted with the mechanical design methods which were feasible and compatible with the snowplow trucks. Previously designed and installed rear foil (airfoil) helped reducing snow accumulation on most of the rear surface of truck except the right taillight. However, its effect in reducing snow cloud in the wake of the truck was limited. In this study several new designs were developed computationally including modifications on the current airfoil design. Based on computational (CFD) results, two of these designs were constructed and tested on NDOT trucks during routine HSSP. Preliminary test results showed promising results. Design process and test results are discussed in this paper. • 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) snowplow truck models were utilized to study flow around and rear section of snow plow trucks. • Aerodynamic add-on device prototypes were designed and simulated using 3D CFD models. • Two aerodynamics add-on devices were designed, manufactured, and tested on an actual (full-scale) snow plow trucks during High-Speed Snowplowing (HSSP). • Field tests validated with CFD results and showed promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]