The report describes a variety of fuel consumption tests on goods vehicles, many of which were done in the course of development of a simulation of vehicle operation. It demonstrates the problem of obtaining measurements during normal road operation which are consistent enough to reveal the effect of a modification which might give a small percentage improvement in fuel consumption. A track test procedure is described, which, together with controlled motorway runs, overcomes this problem. The results of such tests to determine the effect of aerodynamic modification, thermostatically controlled fans and shutters, the effect of gear selection and of tyre characteristics of fuel productivity are presented. The influence of route upon fuel consumption has been demonstrated as far as possible under the variable conditions during normal road use. (Author/publisher)
Abstract