Keywords: aerodynamics, freight train, drag, slipstream.

Aerodynamic flows associated with freight trains are highly turbulent and can have large pressure and velocity magnitudes. This potentially creates a risk to the public on platforms and trackside workers. This study presents results of an in-depth study conducted in collaboration with VTG Rail UK Ltd to understand the aerodynamic characteristics of a JPA type tanker wagon within a typical train formation. The aim of the project was to explore the aerodynamic characteristics of the tanker wagon with a view to considering potential design alterations to support the aerodynamic improvements in light of decarbonisation and safety requirements. The study utilised computational simulations and physical modelling, using the interplay between techniques to offer for the first time an in-depth characterisation of a tanker wagon. Results indicated that the slipstream boundary layer development is similar in growth and magnitude to a fully loaded container freight. The drag force on the tanker wagon exhibited a range of values depending on the wagon location in the train in relation to the lead locomotive. It was observed that the blunt Class 66 locomotive effectively shielded the first two wagons in the train from an aerodynamic perspective. The Class 66 locomotive has a very high drag coefficient in relation to wagons in the train formation; however, the addition of more wagons makes the overall influence of wagon design in the train formation important when considering drag effects. Through visualisation of flow features using the CFD results it was observed that the inter-wagon regions and bogies were the main sources of drag around the wagon.

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