The influence of different cross-section shapes of train body on aerodynamic performance

Abstract

In this paper, the influence of different cross-section shapes of train body on aerodynamic performance has been investigated by numerical simulations. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used with the second-order finite volume method with SST k-omega turbulence model. The results indicate that the aerodynamic performance is strongly affected by different cross-section shapes of train body, such as cross-sectional area, width-to-height ratio of cross-section, cross-section with straight or curved sides, etc.. Firstly, the drag coefficient and the overturning moment increase as the sides of cross-section become more curved. Secondly, the drag coefficient and the overturning moment are reduced as the width-to-height ratio of the cross-section is increased when the cross-sectional area is kept as a constant. Finally, air pressure pulse produced by two trains passing by in tunnel is approximately proportional to the cross-sectional area in a certain range and is independent to the cross-section shapes. Numerical results can be used for aerodynamic shape design of high speed trains. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.