Influence of speed and line spacing on aerodynamic forces in high speed train passing in tunnels

Abstract

As train speeds increase, the aerodynamic effects generated during the passage of high-speed trains in tunnels become more pronounced. This article investigates the influence of line spacing on the aerodynamic forces during the passage of high-speed trains in tunnels at different speeds. The research methodology is based on the three-dimensional transient compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations and the k-ω Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model, using overset grid technology to simulate the train passing process in the tunnel. The results show that the aerodynamic drag, lateral force, and lift experienced by the train increase as the line spacing decreases and as the speed increases. line spacing has the greatest impact on aerodynamic lift, followed by lateral force, with drag having the smallest impact. Compared to line spacing, speed has a much larger effect on aerodynamic forces. The aerodynamic forces experienced by the train during tunnel passage are proportional to the square of the train’s speed and have an exponential relationship with the line spacing during train passage.