Tim Gilbert
University of Birmingham
Civil and Mechanical Building
PhD Student in High-Speed Train Aerodynamics
Research interests
My research explores the flow field around a high-speed, examining the transient forces on people and trackside objects. These aerodynamic forces may destabilize trackside workers, dislodge and damage equipment on trains, cause passenger ear discomfort, and induce early fatigue failure of light structures. My PhD looks at the effects of walls, short tunnels, and ventilated tunnels on the forces.
Most of my research is conducted at the TRAIN Rig facility in Derby, a unique moving-model facility owned by the University of Birmingham. A demonstrational video is available here. I also use CFD software to supplement my experimental results and analyse the flow fundamentals in more detail. Thanks to the ample computational resources provided by the ‘BlueBEAR’ supercomputer I can use unsteady turbulence models to better model the turbulent flow structures. Through extensive validation I will examine whether cheaper test methods such as moving-model tests and CFD simulations can provide sufficiently accurate results to obviate the need for full-scale tests.
As well as academic research I provide technical assistance on commercial projects.
I am proud to work with supervisors Professor Chris Baker and Dr. Andrew Quinn who are at the forefront of international research on the aerodynamic effects of trains.