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CFD Simulation Projects by ANSYS Fluent — Ep 13
Train External Airflow CFD Simulation, ANSYS Fluent
- Episode
- 13
- Run Time
- 13m 24s
- Published
- Apr 06, 2025
- Course Progress
- 0%
About This Episode
Overview of Train Airflow Simulation
Project Description
Focussing on lowering the drag force to improve energy efficiency, this work uses ANSYS Fluent to study the aerodynamic behaviour around a moving train. High-speed train movement creates airflow-induced events such separations and vortex generation, hence stressing the need of aerodynamic design.
Methodology
- Geometry and Meshing: Using an unstructured mesh with 1,013,277 components, SpaceClaim and ANSYS Meshing model and mesh the train and fluid domain correspondingly.
- Turbulence Modeling: Studying vortex dynamics and flow separation, the simulation looks at turbulent flow characteristics around the train.
Conclusion
Key insights from the simulation include:
- Pressure Distribution: The front surface of the train experiences most pressure; as speed climbs away from the wall, aerodynamic suction grows.
- Boundary Layer and Turbulence: Greater boundary layer thickness at the rear of the train suggests more turbulence from flow separation.
- Energy Efficiency: A drag force works against the motion of the train, therefore aerodynamic design helps to reduce energy loss by lowering drag.
This work shows how simulating train aerodynamics may guide design plans to maximise energy economy and save building costs.