Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute

New Simulations Provide Insights to Prevent Wind-Induced Crashes

Posted: Apr 11, 2025

New high-resolution computational fluid dynamics simulations are providing insights into the tremendous forces that cause semi-trucks and other high-profile vehicles to topple during high-wind events. In addition to the safety implications, wind-induced vehicle crashes can also lead to extended highway closures, causing significant traffic disruptions and economic losses. The research at Colorado State University suggests that previous research on the topic may need to be revisited to provide improved guidance for measures to prevent wind-induced crashes.

Karan Venayagamoorthy, Ph.D.
Colorado State University

Crash Modeling of High-Profile Moving Vehicles Under Strong Crosswinds Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics
MPC-24-561