New Cap Design


  The picture below shows a new cap design based on the infromation gained in the study of this problem. The new cap design provides for improved aerodynamics and reduced drag. The cap tapers at 8 degrees then 15 degrees with a smoothed profile. The flow remains completely attached to the cap until the tailgate where some separation occurs. This design has a drag coefficient of 0.302 which is a 30% decrease in drag from the baseline condition.


At Western New England College, the study of engineering is about solving real-world problems.