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Does the Semi Tractor have variable "Gap Flaps"

Discussion in 'Semi' started by George S. Bower, Feb 27, 2018.

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  1. George S. Bower

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2016
    Messages:
    176
    Location:
    Tonto Basin, Az
    The cab/tractor of the Tesla semi has some panels that close the gap between the cab and the trailer. This is done to minimize aero drag. If you look at the first 20 seconds of the reveal you tube video they appear to be variable---ie they move depending on the yaw angle of the trailer. They may be more for keeping the trailer from hitting the panels than for aerodynamic reasons....but they do appear to move in the video.

    If the cab is cocked at a large angle to the trailer when backing up ot just making a sharp turn, then panel and trailer interference problem is critical on the inside panel---ie if you were turning right then the panel on the right side would have the interference problem. In this case the panel appears to move out like an old window wind wing.

    I am posting 2 screen shots from the video and a link to the video so you can replay the first 20 seconds and see for yourself. It's a bit more clear on the video and you need to watch it in full screen mode.

    The first screen shot is at around 14 seconds in the video, the second shot is what appears to be one of the actuators

    Please reveiw it and let me know if you agree or disagree with my "variable gap flap" theory. So far I have not heard of anyone mentioning this.

    Here's the video and the screen shots:


    Thanks,
    George

    Slide2.JPG Slide1.JPG
     
    • Like x 1
  2. 1208

    1208 Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2014
    Messages:
    1,367
    Location:
    UK
    Well spotted, never noticed that. You must be the first.

    I would say its both for aerodynamic reasons and to prevent the trailer hitting the body panel.
     
  3. vossn8r

    vossn8r New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2018
    Messages:
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    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Wow great observation. Maybe control components for aerodynamic panel controls inside the box on the rear right side of the cab?
     
  4. vossn8r

    vossn8r New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2018
    Messages:
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    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Didn't Musk say somewhere in the reveal, "we can change the truck's profiling to match your trailers design..." (super paraphrased based on memory alone)?
     

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