Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics is a key consideration particularly for the design of high speed railway operations. It affects not only train drag, but also:

  • vehicle stability & safety - high lateral wind loads can potentially result in a derailment
  • passenger comfort - the pressure pulses generated as trains pass each other or travel through tunnels at high speeds can be extremely uncomfortable

    Over the past 35 years, DeltaRail has developed a leading reputation for its work in the field of railway aerodynamics. Our Aerodynamics Team provides a range of services from consultancy to full-scale test measurements, model-scale testing and theory-based simulation. Work areas include:

  • train drag estimation and drag improvement
  • slipstreams and line safety
  • pressure pulses and effects of tunnel transient pressures on people
  • setting of aural pressure comfort criteria
  • tunnel design/sizing and train speed optimisation
  • overturning of trains in extreme winds
  • overhead line equipment and pantograph aerodynamics
  • wind engineering
  • wind tunnel testing
  • tunnel ventilation and train air management
  • fire and smoke modelling

    • The team's facilities include the unique Transient Railway Aerodynamics Investigation Rig (TRAIR). This facility is able to test model-scale trains at real speeds up to 315 km/h (195 mph) to measure transient aerodynamic effects that occur when high -speed trains pass each other in the open or when travelling through tunnels.

    DeltaRail

    DeltaRail's transient Railway Aerodynamics Investigation Rig

    Theoretical techniques include the use of ThermoTun, a tunnel and metro system flow prediction program, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes, and mathematical analyses.

    DeltaRail

    CFD over a Train Body

    DeltaRail

    Exhaust Gases Under a Canopy Roof

    For further information, please contact Terry Johnson either by email at terry.johnson@deltarail.com or by phone on +44 (0) 870 190 1364.

    Further information on railway aerodynamics and the TRAIR facility :

    View our Transient Railway Aerodynamics Investigation Rig information sheet here.

    See some TRAIR Case Studies here.

    View our Railway Aerodynamics information sheet here.

    © DeltaRail Group Limited 2008