Numerical investigation of the deposition characteristics of snow on the bogie of a high-speed train

Abstract

To investigate the deposition distribution of snow particles in the bogie surfaces of a high-speed train, a snow particle deposition model, based on the critical capture velocity and the critical shear velocity, was elaborated. Simulations based on the unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approach coupled with Discrete Phase Model (DPM) were used to analyze the motion of snow particles. The results show that the cross beam of the bogie frame, the anti-snake damper, the intermediate brake clamps in the rear wheels, the traction rod and the anti-rolling torsion bar are prone to accumulate snow. The accumulation mass relating to the vertical surface in the rear region, horizontal surface in the front region and the corner area of the bogie is high. The average snow accumulation mass for each component ordered from high to low is as follow: traction rod, frame, bolster, brake clamp 2, anti-rolling torsion bar, brake clamp 1, transverse damper, axle box 2, axle box 1, air spring, anti-snake damper, tread cleaning device. The snow accumulation mass on the front components of the bogie is more significant than that relating to the rear components. Particularly, the average snow accumulation mass of rear brake clamp 2 and axle box 2 is about twice as high as that of the front brake clamp 1 and axle box 1.