Aerodynamic behavior of a high-speed train with a braking plate mounted in the region of inter-car gap or uniform-car body: A comparative numerical study

Abstract

The continuous increase in train speed has brought serious challenges to train braking safety. Aerodynamic braking technology can effectively improve the braking effect of trains at high speeds. In this study, an aerodynamic braking device installed in the inter-car gap region (ICG) of a high-speed train is proposed and the aerodynamic performance of the high-speed train with an aerodynamic braking device is assessed by improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) based on the κ-ω turbulence model. The results show that the opening of the plate significantly changes the aerodynamic performance of the train, thereby greatly increasing the aerodynamic forces of the train and their fluctuation degree. The effect of the opening of the plate increases the turbulence of the downstream flow field around the tail car. The affected area is mainly concentrated in the flow field around the location of the plate for the pressure field and the whole flow field behind the plate for the velocity field. The effect of the plate mounted on the uniform-car body region (UCG) on increasing the aerodynamic drag is better than that at the ICG, though the aerodynamic fluctuation and the influence on the surrounding flow field will also be great.