An improved delayed detached-eddy study on the aerodynamic braking technique based on blunting the streamlined section of the high-speed train

This paper utilizes the improved delayed detached-eddy simulation method to investigate an aerodynamic braking technique involving blunting the streamlined portion of a high-speed train (HST) at Re = 5.0 × 105. The accuracy of the numerical simulation method was validated through reduced-scale wind tunnel experiments at the same Reynolds number level. The study compares aerodynamic drag, pressure distribution, boundary layer, and wake flow characteristics between the original configuration and the braking configuration of the HST. Additionally, the impact of aerodynamic braking plates on the flow characteristics around the key components of the HST has also been discussed. The results indicate a significant increase in the pressure drag experienced by the HST with the application of aerodynamic braking plates to its streamlined sections, while there is a slight decrease in viscous drag. This leads to a remarkable 235.4% rise in the overall aerodynamic drag of the entire HST. The aerodynamic braking plates also have a substantial impact on the turbulent wake flow topology, significantly increasing turbulence levels in the near-wake region. Furthermore, the implementation of aerodynamic braking plates may affect pantograph current collection by significantly altering stream-wise and vertical velocity components, notably increasing velocity fluctuation around the contact position between the pantograph and power supply lines.