Fluctuating wind pressure on vertical sound barrier during two high-speed trains passing each other

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the train-induced fluctuating wind pressure on the vertical sound barrier when two high-speed trains pass each other. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model based on the overset grid method was established to stimulate the relative movements between the trains and sound barriers, which were validated using relevant test data and design specifications. The pressure characteristics on the vertical sound barrier were quantified for the cases of the two trains passing each other with speeds ranging from approximately 350 to 450 km/h. The results demonstrated that increasing the train speed, lowering the position along the sound barrier, and reducing the distance from the centre of the track can amplify the pressure. The amplitude of the fluctuating pressure increases rapidly with the square of the train speed during single-train operation; this is further amplified when two trains pass each other.