Numerical investigation of unsteady airflow in subway influenced by piston effect based on dynamic mesh

Abstract

The piston effect has a significant influence on unsteady airflows in subway stations and tunnels. This study uses in situ experimental data and a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to analyze the three-dimensional unsteady air flow in a subway station and tunnel. An experimental analysis of train-induced unsteady flow was measured in an actual station with platform bailout doors (PBD), and air velocity variations were recorded at regular time intervals. The unsteady numerical analysis uses a dynamic mesh method for the full-scale model. The results indicate that Standard k–ε and RNG k–ε equations are both appropriate for simulating the high Reynolds numbers in tunnel and station airflow because these equations coincide with the experimental data. Specific diversion and suction ratios exist in each channel of the airflow for piston wind. The proportions between bypass ducts and platforms are stable no matter in open or close systems. And the draught relief shaft located before station plays more important role for piston wind than the one located after the station.