Volume 6 Issue 4 - March 2016

  • 1. Aerodynamic loss in inter-car space of train and its reduction

    Authors : Nitin Kukreja

    Pages : 80-89

    Keywords : Inter-car space, Indian Train, Turbulence model, Aerodynamic drag, Drag reduction.

    Abstract :

    This paper carried out a research with the aim is to study the turbulent flow in the inter-car gap of train and reducing the aerodynamic loss in the inter-car gap. The research is carried on Indian train which has the average speed of 20 m/s. The purpose of study was to analyze the aerodynamic loss in the inter-car gap of Indian train. This aerodynamic loss in the gap between two coaches can be reduced using some filler or flat plate. The study is based on cavity flow because the gap between two coaches looks like the cavity. Another analysis also carried on same condition of inter-car gap to reduce the aerodynamic loss on train using some filler (plate), which is same as the study of flow over the flat plate. In the cavitational area vortex is generated due to which the aerodynamic drag increases, by using the plate the formation of vortex can be reduce.ANSYS Fluent 14.5 has been used to solve the governing equations of both the conditions. Before the analysis geometry is drawn on Gambit 2.2.30 software, which is used for the drawing and grid generation. In inter-car space very fine grids are used, which shows the generation if eddy in the gap region. For the analysis k-ε turbulence model is used which gives the better analytical result. The results have been presented for both the condition which shows the better result over the cavity flow in trains. After the study and analysis on Indian train, the aerodynamic loss on the train by using the filler in inter-car gap reduces till 5 – 6 %. This reduction of aerodynamic loss on train for single inter-car space may lead for improvement in Indian train.

    Citing this Journal Article :

    Nitin Kukreja, "Aerodynamic loss in inter-car space of train and its reduction", Volume 6 Issue 4 - March 2016, 80-89