The TRAIN rig is one method of carrying out aerodynamic investigations on trains.
The specific advantages of the TRAIN rig are:
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Its use avoids the uncontrolled ambient conditions and expense associated with full scale tests, and model test geometry can be varied relatively quickly and cheaply
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Unlike conventional wind tunnels and CFD, it can be used to investigate transient phenomena, such as train passing, slipstreams etc
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It can be used to calibrate/validate computational models of train tunnel pressure transients
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The use of full scale train speeds ensure Mach number similarity when undertaking tests of pressure wave phenomena in tunnels
Typical examples of studies that can be performed include:
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Investigations into the effects of cross-winds on train stability
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Slipstream studies (at the trackside and on station platforms with and without cross-winds)
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Trains passing
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Effect of train shape (development of the aerodynamic design of new trains and improvement of existing trains
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Determination of train empirical factors for unsteady flow predictions in tunnels
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Exploration of methods for the alleviation of transient pressures in tunnels
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Investigation of primary wave steepening in tunnels and the development and alleviation of micro-pressure waves
Links and contact
For further information please contact Professor Chris Baker on c.j.baker@bham.ac.u