Effect of height of noise barriers on sound source characteristics of aerodynamic noise from high-speed trains

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the influence of different noise barrier heights on the sound source generation mechanisms of higher-speed trains (400 km/h) using a combination of delayed detached eddy simulation (DDES) and Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) equations. Four cases are investigated and compared, i.e. 1) no barrier, 2) 2.3 m, 3) 3.3 m, and 4) 4.3 m single-side barriers on a bridge. Numerical results show that the presence of noise barriers causes an increase in sound source intensity ranging from 2.1 to 2.8 dB(A). However, the relationship between the barrier height and the increase in sound source intensity varies across different parts of the train. Compared with the head and frontmiddle cars, the boundary layer is thicker around the rear-middle and tail car areas. A thick boundary layer introduces the influence of the crash wall, causing asymmetry and increases in sound source intensity. This is due to the deceleration region formed between the crash wall and the rail surface, as well as the acceleration region formed by the contraction of the flow channel in the noise barrier, both of which influence the sound source’s characteristics. In addition, higher barriers exacerbate asymmetry and increases in sound source intensity.

Keywords

high-speed trains / noise barriers / sound source / sound field / flow field

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