In a long passenger train only about 10% of the aerodynamic drag are due to the front and tail ends. Nevertheless, there is some potential for further improvements on the aerodynamics of the front nose of high-speed trains.
Technology field:Aerodynamics and friction
General information
General criteria
Status of development: research & experiments
There is research going on in several railways. At DB AG, a number of innovative nose shapes have been studied in wind channel.
Time horizon for broad application: not applicable
(no details available)
Expected technological development: not applicable
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Motivation:
Running stability
Running comfort
Noise reduction
Benefits (other than environmental): medium
Reduction of side wind effects and control lift forces and yawing moment. This improves running stability and comfort.
Avoidance of sonic booms in tunnels. Reduction of pressure wave of train front when passing stations.
Barriers: low
(no details available)
Success factors:
(no details available)
Applicability for railway segments: medium
Type of traction: electric - DC, electric - AC, diesel
Type of transportation: passenger - main lines, passenger - high speed
(no details available)
Grade of diffusion into railway markets:
Diffusion into relevant segment of fleet: not applicable
Share of newly purchased stock: not applicable
(no details available)
Market potential (railways): not applicable
(no details available)
Example:
R&D at DB AG
At DB AG several nose shapes have been submitted to wind channel tests (For
more information cf. Heine, Matschke 2001).
Environmental criteria
Economic criteria
Application outside railway sector (this technology is railway specific)