Comparative analysis of the aerodynamic characteristics on double-unit trains formed by different types of high-speed train

Abstract Double-unit trains composed of the same type of high-speed trains (HSTs) are relatively common. The connection of different types of trains, however, has been rarely studied. Therefore, we adopted an improved delayed detached-eddy simulation (IDDES) method to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics on double-unit trains formed by different types of HSTs. Two standardized HSTs—Train A and Train B at present in China—are used to form four different cases (A-A, A-B, B-A, and B-B). We conducted algorithm validation and grid independence to ensure the reliability of numerical results. The results showed the drag of case B-B was smaller when the same HST units were connected, whereas the drag of case A-B was smaller when the different HST units were connected. Downstream the coupling region, the structures of vortex shedding presented obvious differences for each case, which further led to different fluctuation intensities in wake vortices. The order of the height of the wake vortices was as follows: h1(A-A) > h3(B-A) > h2(A-B) > h4(B-B). The tail of the upstream vehicle had a dominant influence on the slipstream peak in the coupling region.