Aerodynamic Study of Two Opposing Moving Trains in a Tunnel Based on Different Nose Contours

Abstract

It is well known that the train nose shape has significant influence on the aerodynamic characteristics. This study explores the influence of four kinds of nose shapes (fusiform, flat-broad, bulge-broad, ellipsoidal) on the aerodynamic performance of two opposing high-speed trains passing by each other through a tunnel at 250 km/h. The method of three dimensional, compressible, unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and RNG k-ε double equation turbulence model was carried out to simulate the whole process of two trains passing by each other inside a tunnel. Then the pressure variations on tunnel wall and train surface are compared with previous full-scale test to validate the numerical method adopted in this paper. The assessment characteristics, such as transient pressure and aerodynamic loading, are analyzed to investigate the influence of nose shape on these assessment parameters. It is revealed that aerodynamic performance of trains which have longitudinal nose profile line B (fusiform, flat-broad shape) is relatively better when passing by each other in a tunnel. The results can be used as a guideline for high-speed train nose shape design.