RTRI's Large-Scale Low-Noise Wind Tunnel
Akira MARUOKA
The RTRI's Large-Scale Low-Noise Wind Tunnel is now under construction
at Maihara-chou in Shiga prefecture. This is unique railway wind tunnel
built for the purpose of studying the aerodynamic problems involved
with high-speed trains like the Shinkansen. It has two excellent
features. One is its backgroud noise extremely reduced to make it
possible to measure the noise generated from the model to a remarkable
accuracy. This must be useful to promote aeroacoustic noise research in
high-speed Shinkansen. The other is its large and high-speed
moving-belt which permit us to simulate the air flow between the train
model and the ground with considerable reality. It can provide a strong
tool helping the aerodynamic characteristics investigation and reduce
the aerodynamic drag of tram-set and the aerodynamic influence on
vehicle dynamics.
The completion of the wind tunnel is scheduled for March of 1996. This
is expected to mark a great advance in the progress of aeroacoustic and
aerodynamic research and development in the field of high-speed trains.