The Application of Computational Fluid Dynamics to Railway Aerodynamics

Abstract

The growing application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to railway aerodynamics is described. After cautioning against overselling the capabilities of CFD codes, a review is presented of the more significant computational work undertaken in this field. Three recent applications of CFD are examined: (a) a high-speed rail vehicle in a cross-wind; (b) cross-flow impingement on a freight vehicle in the Channel Tunnel; (c) the temperature environment in a stationary passenger train. Comparative experimental data are offered for each of the above. An analysis of these applications is used to derive a promising strategy for the practical application of CFD.