The influence of different ground simulation systems on the air flow around a high-speed train with zero yaw angle is investigated. Force values, force development graphs, surface pressures, the underbody flow and the wake are studied in detail with Computational Fluid Dynamics, which is initially validated by wind tunnel testing. It shows that the stationary ground has severe deviations from the full moving ground on the aerodynamic performance due to the inaccurate pressure distribution on the underbody. This is mainly attributed to the high level of interaction between the underbody and the boundary layer development. In addition, a ground boundary layer separation bubble can be observed under the tail end of the train for the stationary ground on account of insufficient energy to overcome the increasing adverse pressure gradient. In order to guarantee a correct underbody flow, a partially moving ground is proposed, including the “3-moving ground” and the “1-moving ground”. Such ground simulation systems are well compatible with the fixed rail tracks and the bottom support struts compared to the full moving ground. As a conceivable method to reduce the influence of the boundary layer, raising the high-speed train model with different ground clearances is also studied. Overall, the 3-moving ground is suggested to be the best choice for the ground simulation systems in high speed train wind tunnel testing.
High-speed train aerodynamics under crosswinds: from standard wind tunnel testing to the effect of the train cooling systems
