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.