On computational fluid dynamics modelling of crosswind effects for high-speed rolling stock

Abstract

This work addresses crosswind stability exemplified for the German Railway Deutsche Bahn AG high-speed train ICE 2. The scope of the work is to describe the flow by means of computational fluid dynamics past the leading two cars of the train for yaw angles in the range 12.2–40.0°. Three track formations are utilized. The basic results are the set of independent aerodynamic coefficients for the lead and subsequent cars. The results are to some extent compared with experimental data for ICE 2 and also with data obtained for the Swedish high-speed train X2000. A numerical sensitivity study is undertaken to quantify differences in the above results dependent on the grid density and quality, turbulence model, numerical scheme, location of inlet and outlet boundaries, turbulence intensity and flow simulation software.