Kenworth introduces new roof and hood

Kenworth Truck
Kenworth’s new T2000 just got even more aerodynamic after the company announced a redesigned optional roof fairing that improves fuel economy by as much as 1.5 percent.

Meanwhile, in the same announcement, Kenworth also introduced a new hood for its on-highway W900L model with curved windshield.

The new hood utilizes METTON LMR, an advanced tough and durable liquid molding resin, and is formed using a closed-mold process, which helps to provide a smoother, more consistent hood surface.

The new fairing’s modified shape allows better airflow up and over a van trailer. The company said separation between the tractor and trailer causes turbulence, and from an engineering standpoint it’s a challenge to reduce wind ‘buffeting’ as much as possible. With this new design, the company smooths airflow to an optimum level which reduces air drag by 3 percent.

To develop the new fairing, engineers began by using a sophisticated computer modeling program called CFD, or computational fluid dynamics, which helped to modify the roof fairing and then see how it sliced through the air, while redirecting that air over a typical van trailer of 13-1/2 feet in height.

In addition, Kenworth also has produced a “White Paper on Fuel Economy,” which can be electronically downloaded at the “Dynamics of Fuel Efficiency” link at the company’s website.