A numerical investigation on the improvement of anti-snow performance of the bogies of a high-speed train

Abstract

In this paper, numerical simulations combining unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) simulation and the discrete phase model are used to study the application of countermeasure for snow accumulation in the regions of bogie cavities of a high-speed train. The influence of the cowcatcher heights and guide structure configurations on the flow features and snow accumulation was studied. The results of the study show that the cowcatcher with a downward elongation of 4% of the distance between the two axles decreases the snow accumulation in the first and the second bogie regions by about 56.6% and 13.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the guide structures have been found to significantly alter the velocity and pressure distribution in the second bogie region, resulting in a relatively large snow-accumulation reduction. The deflector is found to perform better in reducing snow accumulation when compared to the diversion slots. The cowcatcher, elongated in the downward direction, and the deflector proved to be a good countermeasure for snow accumulation around the bogies of high-speed trains operating in snowy weather conditions.

A review of snow melting and de-icing technologies for trains

“…The results show that the 60°deflector has a higher snow resistance; the snow amount is reduced by 46%, in particular, on the rear surface of the bogie. Miao et al [68][69][70] added diversion slots (Figure 10b) to the upstream and downstream sides of the bogie. The simulation results show that the flow characteristics at the bottom of the car body are effectively changed by slots, which force more high-speed air streamlines to flow around the bogie structure, thus reducing the impact of the snow on the windward surface of the bogie.…”

“…The numerical and experimental results show that the cambered opening has the best anti-snow performance among the three. In addition, Miao 69 suggested to reduce the distance between the windshield and base plate to the rail surface while keeping the height of the bottom of the car body constant to reduce snow accumulation.…”