A comparative numerical simulation study on ventilation performance of train equipment compartments by the fixed-frame uniform-inflow method and the moving reference frame method
During open-air operation of high-speed trains, the fixed-frame uniform inflow method, which keeps the train stationary while the airflow moves, is commonly used to simulate equipment cabin ventilation. However, the equipment compartment is located beneath the train, where the surrounding flow field is strongly affected by the ground effect. The moving reference frame method can more realistically reproduce the relative motion between the train and the track. Therefore, a comparative study of the two methods is necessary. A four-car high-speed train model was employed. Simulations were performed using the standard k-ε turbulence model at an operating speed of 200 km/h. Grid independence analysis and full-scale experimental validation were conducted. The computational efficiency, flow-field characteristics, and ventilation-rate prediction accuracy of the fixed-frame uniform-inflow method and the moving reference frame method employing overset grid technology were then systematically compared. The results demonstrate that, under identical computational settings, the moving reference frame method requires approximately 50% more computational time compared with the fixed-frame uniform-inflow method. Both methods predicted external flow-field pressure distributions with mean relative error below 5% and captured similar internal flow structures, confirming their engineering applicability. While the minimum relative error in skirt panel grille time-average mass flow rate prediction was 3.33%, the maximum relative error reached -14.73% in the car 03. This considerable discrepancy highlights the significant influence of ground effect on ventilation systems employing side-inlet and bottom-outlet configurations. In conclusion, the fixed-frame uniform-inflow method demonstrates superior computational efficiency and satisfactory applicability for most scenarios, whereas the moving reference frame method provides more accurate predictions of ground-induced aerodynamic effects.
计算模型由四车编组高速列车及计算域两部分组成, 四车编组高速列车关键部件的几何模型如 图3所示.其由首尾车厢和两节中间车厢组成,车长106.2 m, 车高4.0 m. 头尾车厢长度均为24.4 m,中间两节车厢长度均为25 m. 设备舱长度均为13.8 m, 宽度为3.16 m, 高度为0.88 m.
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基金资助
国家重点研发计划资助项目(2023YFB2303705-08)
National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFB2303 705-08)
芙蓉计划青年人才(科技创新类)项目(2025RC3014)
Furong Program Young Talents in Scientific and Technological Innovation(2025RC3014)