Prediction of low-speed aerodynamic load and aeroacoustic noise around simplified panhead section model

Abstract This paper deals with a low-speed aerodynamic and aeroacoustic analysis of the two-dimensional panhead section model that is a simplification of the pantograph used in high-speed railway (HSR). As a preliminary study of HSR whose actual operating speed is over 300 km/h, the present study considers the low-speed aerodynamics and aeroacoustics in which the speed range is between 120 and 180 km/h. The computational fluid dynamics-based analysis is performed using FLUENT and the low-speed wind tunnel test is conducted to verify the flow simulation as well. The aerodynamic noise is predicted using Ffowcs Williams—Hawkings equation without the quadrupole term. The present study suggests the use of a thin plate (i.e. lift generator) to generate the positive up-lift force that can provide the stable aerodynamic contact between the panhead strips and the catenary system. For a number of panhead section models, acoustic pressure fluctuations and sound pressure levels are analysed to identify the optimum plate length of the lift generator in terms of aerodynamic stability and aeroacoustic noise reduction.