Study on Optimization of Panhead Shape Possessing Low Noise and Stable Aerodynamic Characteristics

Abstract

Two main concerns with pantographs used on high speed trains have been their aerodynamic stability and aeroacoustic noise reduction. These properties depend on the shape of the pantograph, but these is often a trade-off between them and pantograph design is therefore a very delicate process. As many wind tunnel tests are required before an adequate shape is found, the process is time-consuming and expensive. To improve the efficiency of a new-type pantograph development, a new design process including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and optimization techniques was proposed to provide a suitable shape possessing the appropriate aerodynamic and aeroacoustic properties. The results of some wind tunnel tests on some panhead models designed using this method show that it can be useful for panhead design.