Analysis of high-speed train flow structures under crosswind

Terence Avadiar, James Bell, David Burton, Heman Cormaty, Chao Li

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9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The flow structures along the length of a High-Speed Train (HST) are experimentally investigated under simulated crosswind conditions. The experiment uses flow visualizations and velocity measurements in a wind tunnel on a HST model at various angles of yaw. Surface visualizations shows the development of a longitudinal vortex, originating at the nose which travels along the leeward side of the train. A hypothesis is presented and tested proposing flow structures may repeat when the Boundary layer (BL) on the roof of the HST reaches maximum development or is “pushed off”. A key motivation is to evaluate the validity of using shortened HST models in a wind tunnel to correctly represent full-length trains. Using this theory, a shortened train model appears unable to completely model full-scale HSTs at realistic yaw angles.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3985-3991
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Mechanical Science and Technology
Volume30
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2016

Keywords

  • Aerodynamics
  • Boundary layer
  • Crosswind
  • Flow structures
  • Flow visualization
  • High-speed train
  • Wind tunnel

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