2024 Volume 65 Issue 4 Pages 278-284
We numerically investigated the aerodynamic characteristics of pantographs for conventional trains in a crosswind by using large-eddy simulations (LESs). Although previous experimental study revealed that the lift force increases significantly under crosswind conditions, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not been clarified. Therefore, the flow fields around the pantograph head were carefully investigated by LESs. It was found that there are two main mechanisms: one is a steady large-scale vortex generated on the upper surface of the pantograph head, and the other is a pressure increase on the lower surface of the pantograph head. In addition, LESs were carried out using modified pantograph head shapes to investigate methods for reducing the lift force on the pantograph head taking into account the mechanisms above. As a result, a maximum lift reduction rate of approximately 60% was achieved, indicating that an effective lift force reduction method was proposed.
