Numerical Analysis of Pressure Variation under Train Passage using the Boundary Element Method


Katsuhiro KIKUCHI, Kazuo UCHIDA, Koji NAKATANI, Yasuo YOSHIDA, Tatsuo MAEDA, Mitsunori YANAGIZAWA
A train running at high speed in open area causes a pressure distribution around itself. This pressure distribution travels with the train as the train moves and it causes an environmental problem along a wayside. This pressure variation increases in magnitude as the train speeds up. It is necessary to predict the magnitude and the characteristic of pressure variation in order to successfully carry out a speed-up plan of the railway. We have studied pressure variation due to train passage along the railway line using the boundary element method. Numerical results are compared with field test data and the agreeement between them is found to be qualitatively good. We sought some countermeasures to reduce the pressure variation under train passage.