Two-dimensional analysis of the influence of windbreaks on airflow over a high-speed train under crosswind using lattice Boltzmann method

This research is concerned with identifying the effects of windbreak geometry on attenuating aerodynamic loads that can be strong enough to disturb the running safety of high-speed trains. The idea is to suggest the proper geometry for the windbreaks that can make them more efficient and increase their overall performance. Generally speaking, the desired windbreak is the one that can minimize the aerodynamic forces on the surface of trains. In order to reach such an aim, the flow of air around an Intercity-Express 3 high-speed train has been estimated through a two-dimensional modeling by using the lattice Boltzmann method. The flow of crosswind that hits the train is considered as turbulent. The geometry of the windbreaks including the height, the slot, and the edge angles has been investigated. It has been concluded that the windbreak performance, among other parameters, is highly dependent on its height and edge angle. This research expedites the trail for finding suitable choices of windbreak geometries that can in turn provide a reliable degree of running safety of the railway fleet.