Aerodynamic effects of trains circulating through a bifurcated tunnel

Abstract

In practice, bifurcated railway tunnels are occasionally employed in the construction of long tunnels due to specific geological reasons. However, the aerodynamic behaviors of trains moving through such complex tunnels are not yet fully understood. To address this issue, this study analyzes the aerodynamic interactions produced by a high-speed train moving through a bifurcated tunnel in different directions. A three-dimensional, unsteady, compressible method based on the RNG k-ε turbulence model is used to simulate the train motion in the tunnel. Additionally, the simulation algorithm is validated by comparing the data with full-scale experimental results. The analysis includes the examination of aerodynamic loads and transient pressures on both train surface and tunnel wall. The results indicate that the maximum peak-to-peak pressures on train surface and the the single-track tunnel wall of DTE (double-track tunnel as entry) scenario are larger than that of STE (single-track tunnel as entry). Moreover, for the DTE scenario, the energy consumption of the train moving through the tunnel is significantly higher, and the average drag of the leading vehicle is increased by 19.2% compared with the STE. However, the side force of the leading vehicle for the STE is 26% higher than that of the DTE. The research findings presented in this paper can serve as a valuable aerodynamic reference for the design and construction of specialized tunnels.

Keywords

high-speed train / bifurcated tunnel / transient pressure / aerodynamic force

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