Crosswind sensitivity assessment of a representative Europe-wide range of conventional vehicles

Abstract

The European Union Seventh Framework Programme research project AeroTRAIN aimed at delivering limit criteria for crosswinds to the 'Rolling stock -locomotives and passenger rolling stock' Technical Specification for Interoperability (CR LOC&PAS TSI) and for class 2 trains of the high-speed rolling stock TSI (HS RST TSI). A first objective was the assessment of characteristic wind curve (CWC) for identified class 2 and conventional vehicles with low, but sufficient, crosswind stability (as proven by their safe operational records) on the EN 14067-6: 2010 single track with ballast and rails (STBR) standard configuration. In the same manner, and as a second objective, Reference CWC and limit criteria for class 1 trains of HS RST TSI were planned to be determined. For all these trains, the aerodynamic coefficients were obtained in a unique wind tunnel campaign using the STBR ground configuration. Their crosswind sensitivity was assessed against a calculated CWC obtained from vehicle dynamics simulations. The resulting database will allow the derivation of the relevant limit criteria still needed for vehicle authorization regarding crosswind stability.

Application of wavestrapping statistical technique to estimate an extreme value in train aerodynamics

“…Research on train aerodynamics has benefitted from several contributions. Different approaches emerge, for example using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach, in which computational models aim to reproduce the flow around trains (Sima et al 2015;Sesma et al 2012), or more empirical approaches using reduced-scale and full-scale measurements (Paradot et al 2015), which are also used to validate the CFD approaches. This brief background only provides a discussion on what is considered relevant for the main topic of the paper.…”

A co-simulation method for the analysis of train running performance on a sea-crossing bridge in crosswind environment

“…When a train runs in a crosswind environment, its aerodynamic characteristics undergo obvious changes (Paradot et al, 2015; Xiao et al, 2014; Yu et al, 2015). Consequently, the train aerodynamic load change substantially, potentially leading to lateral-swing overrun, train derailment, and even overturn and casualty accidents.…”

Improving the performance of the condenser fan in a subway train against the effects of crosswind flow by placing barriers

“…Various methods have been proposed to reduce the negative effects of the crosswind flow on the cooling tower's performance. 7–13 One of the methods to enhance the performance of the cooling tower is to place an enclosure with open side at the wind direction around the tower. This enclosure weakens the created vortex at the inner side and around the tower.…”

“…Crosswind flow is one of the key factors that have an effect on vehicles' motion. 12 So far, various studies have been done about the effect of crosswind flow on trains' motion. 13 The results from previous studies show that the crosswind flow has an effect on the aerodynamic system of the train.…”