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Aerodynamics Performance of Pickup Trucks with and without Covering Cargo Using CFD Analysis

Ruhendran S. Mahendran , Izuan Amin Ishak , Mohammad Arafat , Nurshafinaz Mohd Maruai , Nur Haziqah Shaharuddin , Shaiful Fadzil Zainal Abidin , Nurizzatul Atikha Rahmat

Published
December 25, 2025

Vol. 8 No. 3 (2025)
Pages 599-611

DOI

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Abstract

This study evaluates the aerodynamic performance of pickup trucks equipped with different cargo cover configurations with the aim of improving fuel efficiency through drag reduction. Previous studies have shown that cargo cover geometry significantly influences vehicle aerodynamics; however, systematic comparisons across multiple cover types and operating speeds remain limited. In this work, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed using ANSYS Fluent with the standard k”“ε turbulence model and a structured mesh to analyse five cargo configurations: open compartment (Case A), bed cover (Case B), canvas cover (Case C), canopy cover (Case D), and camper cover (Case E). Simulations were conducted at vehicle speeds of 70, 90, and 110 km/h. The results indicate that cargo cover geometry has a strong influence on aerodynamic behavior. The canvas cover (Case C) consistently produced the lowest drag coefficient (Cd), ranging from 0.28 to 0.7 across the investigated speeds, due to its streamlined shape and reduced wake turbulence. In contrast, the camper cover (Case E) generated the highest Cd values, ranging from 0.49 to 1.2, as a result of its bulky geometry and pronounced flow separation. For all configurations, Cd increased with vehicle speed, with the camper cover exhibiting the largest rate of increase. Flow visualizations further confirmed that the camper cover produced large vortical structures and an extended wake region, whereas the canvas cover effectively reduced wake size and turbulence intensity. The novelty of this study lies in the systematic comparison of five commonly used pickup truck cargo cover configurations across multiple speeds, with combined analysis of drag and wake characteristics. The findings provide practical understanding of cargo cover selection by highlighting the aerodynamic trade-offs that influence fuel efficiency and vehicle performance in real-world pickup truck operation.

Keywords

Aerodynamics; Cargo covers; Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD); Flow structures; Pickup trucks

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Publication Information
Published December 25, 2025
Section Articles
Copyright Copyright (c) 2025 Ruhendran S. Mahendran, Izuan Amin Ishak, Mohammad Arafat, Nurshafinaz Mohd Maruai, Nur Haziqah Shaharuddin, Shaiful Fadzil Zainal Abidin, Nurizzatul Atikha Rahmat
Keywords
  • Aerodynamics
  • Cargo covers
  • Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD)
  • Flow structures
  • Pickup trucks

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