Research on snow prevention in the bogie region based on active blowing method

Abstract

To reduce excessive snow accumulation on bogie surfaces during high-speed train operations in cold regions, two active blowing schemes are designed in this study based on the shape of the bogie cavity and the relative position of the brake caliper. The unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes algorithm coupled with a discrete phase model was used to calculate the airflow and snow flow under the train. Moreover, the algorithm is employed to explore the impact of active blowing on the flow field characteristics and snow accumulation in the bogie region. Results show that active blowing changes the upward airflow in the bogie region, causing air at the bottom of the train to flow outwards, carrying off numerous snow particles from the bogie region. Active blowing accelerates the surface friction velocity on the bogie, increases the shear force on snow particles, and effectively reduces the snow accumulation on the bogie surface. The foregoing observation indicates that active blowing has considerable potential for snow accumulation prevention.