Numerical research on two typical flow structures and aerodynamic drag characteristics of blunt-nosed trains

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide new insights into aerodynamic drag reduction for increasingly faster blunt-nosed trains, such as urban and freight trains. Specifically, this work investigates two distinctly different wake structures and associated aerodynamic drag of blunt-nosed trains.

Design/methodology/approach

Three typical cases of blunt-nosed trains with 1-, 2- and 3-m nose lengths are selected. The time-averaged and unsteady flow structures around the trains are analyzed using the improved delayed detached eddy simulation model and proper orthogonal decomposition method.

Findings

The simulation results indicate that for 2- and 3-m nose lengths, the flow separates at first and then reattaches to the slanted surface of the tail, with a pair of longitudinal vortices dominating the wake. In contrast, for the 1-m nose length case, the wake structure is characterized by complete separation, attributed to the larger curvature of the slanted tail surface. Consequently, the total time-averaged drag coefficient is reduced by 27.2% and 19.2% for the 1-m nose length case compared to the 2- and 3-m cases, respectively. Moreover, the predominant unsteady structures with Strouhal numbers St = 0.30 and St = 0.28 are detected in the near-wake of the 2- and 3-m nose length cases, respectively. These structures result from periodic vortex shedding at the lower slanted tail surface. In contrast, for the 1-m nose length case, the predominant unsteady structure with St = 0.19 is induced by the nearly periodic expansion and contraction of the upper bubbles.

Originality/value

Two distinctly different wake structures in blunt-nosed trains are identified. Unlike high-speed trains with longer, streamlined noses, for blunt-nosed trains, shorter nose lengths result in lower aerodynamic drag. Insights for reducing energy consumption in blunt-nosed trains are provided.