Aerodynamic effects of a high-speed train travelling through adjoining & separated tunnels

This investigation deals with numerical solution of complex aerodynamic interactions induced by a high-speed train (HST) entering and passing through tunnels with a closely adjacent gap and without in between. We present evidences that included pressure transient on the train surface and tunnel wall and comparisons between slipstreams and aerodynamic loads. The results show that two closely adjacent tunnels with a gap does not induce pressure differences on the tunnel wall, in relation to pressures otherwise observed on the single long tunnel, but slightly affects the friction component of the initial pressure rise on the train surface. In addition, the peak values of the slipstreams on the side nearest to the train inside the second tunnel are larger than those recorded when the train passed the first tunnel, suggesting that the existence of a gap between tunnels affect the airflow within the second tunnel. Peak drag coefficients for the train travelling through the first and second tunnel match while being 9.8% lower than the corresponding value observed within a single yet longer tunnel. The study highlights the differences on train aerodynamics when in transit through closely adjacent tunnels and a long tunnel to conclude that improved aerodynamic performances should be considered as the train circulates through closely adjacent tunnels as opposed to through a single passage. The study provides an aerodynamic guideline and reference for the tunnel engineering.