Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Pressure Signature for different High-Speed Trains

This paper describes a procedure for the validation of numerical codes able to reproduce the pressures in tunnel due to the passage of trains. In the first step, the parameters of the numerical code are set by matching the train-tunnel pressure signature measured during a single-passage of different types of train within the tunnel and in the second step, without changing the parameters, the crossing of two trains is simulated. Within the paper, the methodology is applied to the numerical mono-dimensional code DB-Tunnel while the experimental data are those collected during an experimental research programme carried out in the tunnel La Fornace, on the Italian high-speed railway from Roma to Firenze. The accuracy of the numerical code estimation is evaluated in terms of the maximum pressure generated in the tunnel by the train passing/crossing because this is the key parameter, according to the TSI standard for railway infrastructures

A validated numerical investigation of the effects of high blockage ratio and train and tunnel length upon underground railway aerodynamics

In order to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and staff, an underground railway requires an extensive ventilation and cooling system. One mechanism for underground railway ventilation is the movement of air induced by trains, termed the ‘piston effect’. This study investigated the effect of altering the blockage ratio of an underground train upon the ventilating air flows driven by a train. First a computational model was developed and validated with experimental data from literature. This model was scaled to represent an operational underground railway with high blockage ratio and the blockage ratio varied to evaluate the effects upon ventilation. The results of this study show that ventilating air flows can be increased significantly during periods of constant train motion and acceleration, by factors of 1.4 and 2 respectively, but that the train drag will increase at the same rate. During deceleration negligible increases in ventilation flows are found but drag increases by a factor of 4

Alleviation of pressure pulse effects for trains entering tunnels. Volume 1: Summary

The degree to which it is possible to attenuate the effects of pressure pulses on the passengers in trains entering tunnels by modifying the normally abrupt portal of a constant-diameter single track tunnel was investigated. Although the suggested modifications to the tunnel entrance portal may not appreciably decrease the magnitude of the pressure rise, they are very effective in reducing the discomfort to the human ear by substantially decreasing the rate of pressure rise to that which the normal ear can accommodate. Qualitative comparison was made of this portal modification approach with other approaches: decreasing the train speed or sealing the cars. The optimum approach, which is dependent upon the conditions and requirements of each particular rail system, is likely to be the portal modification one for a rapid rail mass transit system

Aerodynamic performance of a high-speed train passing through three standard tunnel junctions under crosswinds

The aerodynamic performance of a high-speed train passing through tunnel junctions under severe crosswind condition was numerically investigated using improved delayed detached-eddy simulations (IDDES). Three ground scenarios connected with entrances and exits of tunnels were considered. In particular a flat ground, an embankment, and a bridge configuration were used. The numerical method was first validated against experimental data, showing good agreement. The results show that the ground scenario has a large effect on the train\u27s aerodynamic performance. The bridge case resulted in generally smaller drag and lift, as well as a lower pressure coefficient on both the train body and the inner tunnel wall, as compared to the tunnel junctions with flat ground and embankment. Furthermore, the bridge configuration contributed to the smallest pressure variation in time in the tunnel. Overall, the study gives important insights on complicated tunnel junction scenarios coupled with severe flow conditions, that, to the knowledge of the authors, were not studied before. Beside this, the results can be used for further improvements in the design of tunnels where such crosswind conditions may occur

Multi-objective Aerodynamic Optimization of High-speed Trains in Tunnels

A genetic algorithm (GA) is employed for the multi-objective shape optimization of the nose of a high-speed train. Aerodynamic problems observed at high speeds become still more relevant when traveling along a tunnel. The objective is to minimize both the aerodynamic drag and the amplitude of the pressure gradient of the compression wave when a train enters a tunnel. The main drawback of GA is the large number of evaluations need in the optimization process. Metamodels-based optimization is considered to overcome such problem. As a result, an explicit relationship between pressure gradient and geometrical parameters is obtained

A risk assessment method for "Eurobalise" fastening system: managing the sensor/sleeper interaction in the high-speed railway infrastructure

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A Review of Recent Studies on Simulations for Flow around High-Speed Trains

Fluid flow around bluff bodies occurs in numerous fields of science and engineering, such as flows pass vehicles, cables, towers and bridges. These flows have been studied experimentally and numerically for the last several decades. The investigation of flow around high-speed trains is an important application of bluff bodies. Fluid flow, aerodynamic forces and moments, separation and wake region have been studied for the last several decades. This paper brings together a comprehensive review of the research on air flow around high-speed trains and their impacts

Instalación para el estudio de la propagación de ondas de presión en conductos y su aplicación en túneles para trenes de alta velocidad

Se ha construido una instalación experimental de bajo coste para realizar ensayos a escala de la onda de compresión que se generan en el interior de un túnel al introducirse en él un tren a alta velocidad, con el fin de estudiar posibles configuraciones para reducir la presión de la onda reflejada en la salida. El coeficiente de reflexión de varias terminaciones ha sido medido y la influencia de la porosidad en la salida ha sido evaluada utilizando el método de la pulsoreflectometría acústica A low-cost experimental facility has been built to perform scale measurements of the pressure waves generated by a high speed train entering inside a tunnel, in order to study possible configurations to reduce the pressure reflected back at the tunnel exit. The reflection coefficient of some tunnel terminations has been measured and the influence of the porosity at the exit has been evaluated by using the Acoustic Pulse Reflectometry method (APR)