Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/328695
T he new Peterbilt Model 579 embodies the latest innovations in the company's industry-lead- ing pursuit of maximizing fuel economy through the use of aerodynam- ics, according to company engineers. "With no end in sight to the volatility of diesel fuel costs, fleet owners made it very clear to us that no stone should be left unturned in our efforts to maximize fuel economy in the design process of the Model 579," says Peterbilt Chief Engineer Landon Sproull. "And it was interesting to note that the same themes were repeated by drivers. As more company drivers are compensated by their ability to conserve fuel on their routes, more of them want to be behind the wheel of vehicles like the Model 579 that are engineered for maxi- mum fuel economy. "So we built a truck that not only worked for the fleet owner's bottom line, but the company driver's bottom line as well." Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) played an important role in optimizing air flow around the cab of the Model 579, according to Sproull. Using various algorithms and mathematics — which are validated by wind tunnel test- ing — CFD demonstrates exactly which surfaces of a truck offer the greatest drag and resistance to the air through which a truck moves. Engineers are then able to remodel the sur- faces accordingly, and even the slightest adjustments 8 l FIRST CLASS BEST-IN-CLASS AERODYNAMICS Aero innovations result in greater fuel economy Engineered for More MPG Exterior Visor — Integrated marking lights and optimal shape. Bumper design — Optimized air flow around tires. Roof Fairing — Pulled leading edge forward and tuned rear to optimize airflow around trailer.