Numerical Computation of 3–D Turbulent Flow Around High–Speed Trains Under Side Wind Conditions

Abstract

This paper describes the numerical investigations carried out by LSTM within the TRANSAERO project [1] to estimate side wind effects on a typical high-speed train. Air flow around a detailed geometry of the German InterRegio train was simulated by solving numerically the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, combined with the k — e turbulence model in three dimensions. Finite volume discretization was used to obtain the flow field around the train under different wind conditions and Reynolds numbers up to 1.063 x 10^8. The investigation was extended beyond the study of the flow characteristics to examine new concepts for protecting the trains from side wind. For this purpose, numerical simulation of the flow around a train travelling on an embankment behind a solid noise barrier was carried out. Detailed analysis of the results showed that noise barriers are effective means in reducing side wind induced forces and moments.