Comparison of partially averaged Navier-Stokes and large eddy simulation of the aerodynamic behaviors of a generic high-speed train

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of numerical methods and mesh resolution on the prediction accuracy of the aerodynamic behaviors of a 1/20 scaled generic high-speed train (HST) model. A thorough comparison is made between partially averaged Navier-Stokes (PANS), large eddy simulation (LES), and wind tunnel experiments, covering aerodynamic forces, surface pressure, velocity distribution, and Reynolds stress and turbulent kinetic energy in the wake region. The Reynolds number for both simulations and experiments is set to 4.75×10⁵. The results show that the PANS approach accurately predicts flow characteristics observed in experiments and fine LES calculations, even with a low-resolution grid. PANS exhibits a distinct advantage over LES when grid resolutions are insufficient for resolving near-wall flow structures around the HST, both in open-air conditions and crosswind environments. Additionally, grid refinement improves the predictive accuracy of the HST’s aerodynamic performance, particularly in the presence of small yaw angle.

Keywords

partially averaged Navier-Stokes (PANS) / large eddy simulation (LES) / wind tunnel experiments / generic high-speed train model / aerodynamic behaviors

References

[1] Minelli G, Krajnović S, Basara Bet al.. Numerical investigation of active flow control around a generic truck Apillar [J]. Flow, Turbulence and Combustion, 2016, 97(4): 1235-1254

[2] Östh J, Krajnović S. A study of the aerodynamics of a generic container freight wagon using large-Eddy simulation [J]. Journal of Fluids and Structures, 2014, 44: 31-51

[3] Spalart P, Jou W, Strelets M, Allmaras S. Comments of feasibility of LES for wings, and on a hybrid RANS/LES approach [C]. International Conference on DNS/LES, 1997, Ruston, Louisiana, Greyden Press137147

[4] Xia C, Wang H-f, Shan X-zet al.. Effects of ground configurations on the slipstream and near wake of a high-speed train [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2017, 168: 177-189

[5] Dong T-y, Liang X-f, Krajnović Set al.. Effects of simplifying train bogies on surrounding flow and aerodynamic forces [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2019, 191: 170-182

[6] Dong T-y, Minelli G, Wang J-bet al.. The effect of ground clearance on the aerodynamics of a generic high-speed train [J]. Journal of Fluids and Structures, 2020, 95: 102990

[7] Wang S-b, Burton D, Herbst A Het al.. The effect of the ground condition on high-speed train slipstream [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2018, 172: 230-243

[8] Wang J-b, Minelli G, Dong T-yet al.. The effect of bogie fairings on the slipstream and wake flow of a high-speed train: An IDDES study [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2019, 191: 183-202

[9] Wang J-b, Minelli G, Dong T-yet al.. Impact of the bogies and cavities on the aerodynamic behaviour of a high-speed train: An IDDES study [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2020, 207: 104406

[10] Han S, Xiang N-s, Huang F-yet al.. On reducing high-speed train slipstream using vortex generators [J]. Physics of Fluids, 2025, 37(5): 055115

[11] Li X-b, Chen G, Wang Zet al.. Dynamic analysis of the flow fields around single- and double-unit trains [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2019, 188: 136-150

[12] Li X-b, Liang X-f, Wang Zet al.. On the correlation between aerodynamic drag and wake flow for a generic high-speed train [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2021, 215: 104698

[13] Chen G, Li X-b, Liu Zet al.. Dynamic analysis of the effect of nose length on train aerodynamic performance [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2019, 184: 198-208

[14] Huang F-y, Xu A, Zhang Jet al.. A passive flow control method with winglets installed on leeward side of a high-speed train for improvement of anti-overturning performance under crosswinds [J]. Physics of Fluids, 2025, 37(3): 035180

[15] Zhao L, Deng E, Yang W-cet al.. Unraveling the impact of cutting transition section on the aerodynamic loads of high-speed trains: Utilizing the IDDES approach [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2024, 313989-1002

[16] Zhang J, Han S, Ji Pet al.. Windproof performance improvement of windbreak walls on the transition connecting a realistic embankment and a hill cut along the high-speed railway [J]. Mechanics Based Design of Structures and Machines, 2025, 53: 1-29

[17] Minelli G, Yao H D, Andersson Net al.. An aeroacoustic study of the flow surrounding the front of a simplified ICE3 high-speed train model [J]. Applied Acoustics, 2020, 160: 107125

[18] Minelli G, Yao H D, Andersson Net al.. Using horizontal sonic crystals to reduce the aeroacosutic signature of a simplified ICE3 train model [J]. Applied Acoustics, 2021, 172: 107597

[19] Zhu J-y, Hu Z-w, Thompson D J. Flow behaviour and aeroacoustic characteristics of a simplified high-speed train bogie [J]. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 2016, 230(7): 1642-1658

[20] Minelli G, Hartono E A, Chernoray Vet al.. Validation of PANS and active flow control for a generic truck cabin [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2017, 171: 148-160

[21] Minelli G, Krajnović S, Basara B. A flow control study of a simplified, oscillating truck cabin using PANS [J]. Journal of Fluids Engineering, 2018, 140(12): 121101

[22] Rao A N, Minelli G, Zhang Jet al.. Investigation of the near-wake flow topology of a simplified heavy vehicle using PANS simulations [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2018, 183: 243-272

[23] Mirzaei M, Krajnović S, Basara B. Partially-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations of flows around two different Ahmed bodies [J]. Computers & Fluids, 2015, 117: 273-286

[24] Krajnović S, Ringqvist P, Basara B. Comparison of partially averaged Navier-Stokes and large-eddy simulations of the flow around a cuboid influenced by crosswind [J]. Journal of Fluids Engineering, 2012, 134(10): 101202

[25] Zhang J, Minelli G, Rao A Net al.. Comparison of PANS and LES of the flow past a generic ship [J]. Ocean Engineering, 2018, 165: 221-236

[26] Wang J-b, Minelli G, Cafiero Get al.. Validation of PANS and effects of ground and wheel motion on the aerodynamic behaviours of a square-back van [J]. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 2023, 958: A47

[27] Smagorinsky J. General circulation experiments with the primitive equations: I. The basic experiment [J]. Monthly Weather Review, 1963, 91(3): 99-164

[28] Girimaji S S. Partially-averaged navier-stokes model for turbulence: A Reynolds-averaged navier-stokes to direct numerical simulation bridging method [J]. Journal of Applied Mechanics, 2006, 73(3): 413-421

[29] Girimaji S S, Jeong E, Srinivasan R. Partially averaged navier-stokes method for turbulence: Fixed point analysis and comparison with unsteady partially averaged navier-stokes [J]. Journal of Applied Mechanics, 2006, 73(3): 422-429

[30] Basara B, Krajnović S, Girimaji S. PANS methodology applied to elliptic-relaxation based eddy viscosity transport model [C]. Turbulence and Interactions, 2010, Berlin, Heidelberg, Springer63-69

[31] Basara B, Krajnovic S, Girimaji Set al.. Near-wall formulation of the partially averaged navier stokes turbulence model [J]. AIAA Journal, 2011, 49(12): 2627-55552636

[32] Wang L, Liu T, Chen Zet al.. Evaluation of the slipstream in different regions around a train with respect to different nose lengths: A comparison study [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2024, 31(9): 3295-3311

[33] Zhang J, Ding Y-s, Wang Y-het al.. A novel bionic Coleoptera pantograph deflector for aerodynamic drag reduction of a high-speed train [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2023, 30(6): 2064-2080

[34] Han S, Xiang N, Huang Fet al.. On reducing high-speed train slipstream using vortex generators [J]. Physics of Fluids, 2025, 37(5): 055115

[35] Li P, Huang S, Liu Yet al.. Regularity and sensitivity analysis of main parameters of plate effects on the aerodynamic braking drag of a high-speed train [J]. Transportation Safety and Environment, 2023, 52tdac051

[36] Han S, Wang F, Zhang J. Influence of inflow conditions on simplified heavy vehicle wake [J]. Physics of Fluids, 2024, 364045151

[37] Pope S B. Turbulent flows [M], 2001

[38] AVL. Fire Manual V2014 [CP]. 2014.

[39] Przulj V, Basara B. Bounded convection schemes for unstructured grids [C]. 15th AIAA Computational Fluid Dynamics Conference. Anaheim, CA, 2001, Reston, Virginia, AIAA2593

[40] Sweby P K. High resolution schemes using flux limiters for hyperbolic conservation laws [J]. SIAM Journal on Numerical Analysis, 1984, 215995-1011

[41] Harten A. High resolution schemes for hyperbolic conservation laws [J]. Journal of Computational Physics, 1997, 135(2): 260-278

[42] Patankar S V, Spalding D B. A calculation procedure for heat, mass and momentum transfer in three-dimensional parabolic flows [J]. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 1972, 15(10): 1787-1806

[43] Wang J-b, Liu H-y, Dong T-yet al.. Validation of partially averaged Navier-Stokes and prediction for the turbulent flow past a generic high-speed train with and without yaw angle [J]. International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, 2024, 110: 109565

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Central South University