Numerical investigation of the pressure and friction resistance of a high-speed subway train based on an overset mesh method

Abstract

The aerodynamic resistance induced by a high-speed metro train entering and operating in a tunnel with a speed of 120 km/h is simulated using a three-dimensional, compressible turbulence model. An overset mesh method is adopted to solve the moving boundary problem, and the flow field around the train is simulated with a k-omega SST turbulence model to obtain accurate stress values at the walls. The selected model is verified with experimental and numerical data from the literature. Then, numerical simulations are performed to analyse the formation mechanisms of the pressure and friction drags. The aerodynamic drag basically stabilizes after the expansion wave passes the train head. The results reveal that the variations in friction resistance are related to the direction of the Mach wave, and this trend differs from that observed for pressure resistance. Mach wave influences the velocity where it passes, and further influences the friction drag. Result shows that friction drag of the train increases when encounter with compression wave propagated from the front or expansion wave propagated from the back, and decreases otherwise. The effects of the blockage ratio on the maximum and average pressure and friction resistance values of each train section are evaluated based on fitting functions. The predicted aerodynamic drag varies with the blockage ratio and for each train section, and the results are summarized and compared with predictions and experimental data from the literature. The variations in tunnel resistance and the overall trend are in good agreement with the previous results. Therefore, the findings presented in this study may provide a reference for the design of high-speed subway tunnels.