Aerodynamic characteristics of a train running through a tornado-like flow

Abstract

In order to clarify the effect of ground structure on the aerodynamic characteristics of a train traveling through a tornado-like flow field, an experiment using a tornado simulator and a model moving rig was conducted. For the ground structure, a comparison was made between a flat ground and an embankment. As a result, the side forces were almost the same in both cases, but the lift force was smaller in the case of the embankment. The peak values of the rolling moments were almost the same in both cases, but the wave patterns were significantly different in both cases. The influence of the ground structure was also observed in the vortex structure and the surface pressure of the ground structure.