Numerical study of snow accumulation on bogies for long marshalling high-speed trains

Abstract

Current numerical research on snow accumulation on bogies often simplifies train models as 1.5 cars or 3 cars, and there is less research on long marshalling trains with real bogies. In this article, based on the Euler–Lagrange method, the airflow structure and snow accumulation characteristics in the bogie area of an 8-car high-speed train (HST) are studied by numerical simulation. The results show that the airflow velocity and snow distribution concentration inside the bogie cabin vary along the flow direction. The downstream bogie cabin has a lower airflow speed, spatial snow particle concentration, and components snow accumulation. Because of the bogie cabin cover structure, the main airflow direction above the first and second bogie cabin is different, resulting in higher snow concentration and range on the windward side of the first bogie. There is a significant difference in snow accumulation characteristics between powered and nonpowered bogies. The powered bogie gearbox is directly affected by the airflow carrying snow particles, leading to severe snow accumulation on the windward side. This study provides a research foundation and engineering guidance for the snow protection strategy of HST bogies and is important for improving the comfort and safety of HSTs on snow-covered rails.