Numerical study on the aerodynamic performance and safe running of high-speed trains in sandstorms

The influence of sandstorms on train aerodynamic performance and safe running was studied in response to the frequent occurrence of sandstorm weather in north China. An Eulerian two-phase model in the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) software FLUENT, validated with published data, was used to solve the gas-solid multiphase flow of a sandstorm around a train. The train aerodynamic performance under different sandstorm levels and no sand conditions was then simulated. Results showed that in sandstorm weather, the drag, lift, side forces and overturning moment increase by variable degrees. Based on a numerical analysis of aerodynamic characteristics, an equation of train stability was also derived using the theory of moment balance from the view of dynamics. A recommended speed limit of a train under different sandstorm levels was calculated based on the stability analysis.