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by In the past, OmniNerd addressed a variety of techniques for saving fuel in the article "Improve MPG: The Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency." One of those factors included the fuel saving effects of drafting tractor trailers, a dangerous practice. Going beyond the speculative mathematics of fluid dynamics equations, the Mythbusters demonstrated the principle scientifically in episode #80, confirming the improvements to fuel economy. Using a NASA wind tunnel, the Mythbusters used scale models to demonstrate wind resistance was reduced up to 93% (with a dangerously close simulation of a ten foot following distance). Following the wind tunnel experiment, the Mythbusters hooked a computer directly to the fuel injectors and tailed a truck in a controlled environment, demonstrating gains of 20-40% in fuel efficiency.
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True but very old results! by smcbride :: NR6 :: Show
Bikers for years have drafted truckers while crossing America on the interstates, some even got permission from the driver. Not for fuel, but for fun. Put your tire in the middle of a semi's rear low swung safety bumper going 75 mph and you are in a vaccum. You become a extension of the truck, he slows down you slow down. Once in position you can release throttle and idle and run same as truck. I rode 600 miles on the back of a Harley with my Dad back in the 50's doing this exact thing. Problem is you can't see where you are going, LOL! I wonder what the result would be, if the tractor you are tailing has a head on while you are drafting? Call 911, no call the M.E.!