Numerical modelling and simulation of an aluminum diffuser and brake plate of the hyperloop vehicle

Abstract

Hyperloop is a vacuum-sealed tube that facilitates a pod to travel substantially air resistant free, or friction-free. The high-speed pod in the hyperloop system requires a reliable braking system. This paper introduces the possibility of utilizing aerodynamic drag in the Hyperloop. In this aerodynamic behaviour (drag and negative lift) by the brake plates mounted on the roof of the pod, and diffuser which is at the rare part of the hyperloop vehicle on a fluid flow, and overall braking force under the same velocity with different angles of the brake plates. Aerodynamic brake plates are designed to generate the braking force by increasing the aerodynamic drag. Diffusers are designed to create downforce. The material selected for brake plates, and diffuser is aluminium. There are three cases with different angles (no plate,300,450,600) deployed as braking plates and diffusers. The pod, tube, braking plates, and diffusers were designed by using CATIA V5-6R. The flow simulation was carried out by Ansys CFX software for three cases of the pods with different angle deployment of the brake plates and diffusers under the same velocity. By changing the angles of brake plates and diffusers. The result shows that drag force increased for a fully deployed angle of attack of the brake plates, and negative lift increased by diffusers. Employing the brake plate increases the drag force. This outcome will provide a significant contribution to the development of the aerodynamic brakes for the hyperloop vehicle.