AEROTRAIN - PROJECT OUTPUTS

WP 1: Open air pressure pulses

The project will bring:

  • A procedure for virtual certification of head pressure pulse valid for streamlined and non-streamlined trains, including the applicability of inviscid panel methods;
  • A verification that the maximum peak-to-peak pressure change occurs at the head of the train.

WP2: Aerodynamic loads on track

The main innovation brought by AeroTRAIN with regards to aerodynamic loads on tracks are the following:

  • A measurement technique to assess the aerodynamic load in relation to the risk of ballast pick-up;
  • A measurement of the aerodynamic load on track by different high speed trains with a common measurement procedure;
  • A robust measurement and post processing procedure which captures the basic parameters of the ballast pick-up phenomenon suitable for certification;
  • A standard track conditions to measure on;
  • A limit criterion for TSI.

General overview for Head Pressure Pulse Measurement (HS RST TSI Section 4.2.6.2.3.).



Measurement plate with Pitot tubes and static pressure bores for installation in the track

WP3: Crosswinds

The AeroTRAIN project will introduce:

  • Limit Characteristic Wind Curves for Conventional Rail TSI and Class 2 High Speed trains;
  • Limit Characteristic Wind Curves for Class 1 High Speed trains based on reference trains;
  • Range of application of CFD methods and the corresponding procedure for assessment of crosswind aerodynamic load;
  • An appropriate test procedure for crosswind aerodynamic load with more realistic conditions (train movement and embankment) and limitations of CFD methods for the corresponding configuration.


CFD simulation of crosswinds
 

WP4: Train – Tunnel interaction

AeroTRAIN will establish common vehicle requirements:

  • Derive dimensioning guidelines for CR RST with respect to aerodynamic loads in tunnels

  • Set up a TSI criterion regarding micro-pressure waves (MPW) for interoperable trains to limit MPW effects in tunnels

When a train enters a tunnel a pressure wave is generated which travels with the velocity of sound through the tunnel. Depending on the tunnel interior, the travelling wave can "steepen" which means the pressure gradient increases. When the travelling wave reaches the opposite portal, it is partly reflected back into the tunnel and partly emitted into the environment. Depending the oncoming pressure gradient, the emitted wave might be an audible "bang" which should be avoided.

WP5: Slip stream effects

Expected results on slip stream effects are:

  • The development of a transfer function which will enable measurements made at one location (e.g. at the trackside) to be related to those at a different location (e.g. on the platform);
  • A reduction in the technical requirements concerning the evaluation of slipstream velocities and hence an increase in the integration of rail transport activities across the EU.