Calibrating aerodynamic software for simulations of flows in Hyperloop-like systems

TY - GEN

T1 - Calibrating aerodynamic software for simulations of flows in Hyperloop-like systems

AU - Vardy, A. E.

AU - Nicolau, J.

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2024 ISAVFT Ltd..

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - Two- and three-dimensional (2D & 3D) simulations of the aerodynamics of hyperloop-like systems with pods travelling at high speeds in ultra-long tubes require unusually large CPU resources. At best, this significantly limits the number of operational conditions that can be investigated reliably in acceptable time windows. The present paper investigates a possible method of circumventing this problem by configuring 1D methods in such a way that they can provide reliable predictions of far-field flows and of vehicle drag. The method requires preliminary CFD simulations to enable suitable values of 1D resistance coefficients to be obtained. Thereafter, large numbers of operational cases can be investigated at low cost. Supplementary CFD simulations are still required when 2D/3D details need to be estimated in the near-field and prudence will require occasional 2D/3D checks on the 1D predictions, but the overall savings are nevertheless potentially large. The use of a suitably-configured 1D model is illustrated and is assessed by its ability to predict the dependence of drag forces on (i) pod speeds and (ii) pod:tube blockage ratios. It is found that the former can be done with reasonable accuracy, but that dedicated preliminary CFD simulations will be required for each blockage ratio.

AB - Two- and three-dimensional (2D & 3D) simulations of the aerodynamics of hyperloop-like systems with pods travelling at high speeds in ultra-long tubes require unusually large CPU resources. At best, this significantly limits the number of operational conditions that can be investigated reliably in acceptable time windows. The present paper investigates a possible method of circumventing this problem by configuring 1D methods in such a way that they can provide reliable predictions of far-field flows and of vehicle drag. The method requires preliminary CFD simulations to enable suitable values of 1D resistance coefficients to be obtained. Thereafter, large numbers of operational cases can be investigated at low cost. Supplementary CFD simulations are still required when 2D/3D details need to be estimated in the near-field and prudence will require occasional 2D/3D checks on the 1D predictions, but the overall savings are nevertheless potentially large. The use of a suitably-configured 1D model is illustrated and is assessed by its ability to predict the dependence of drag forces on (i) pod speeds and (ii) pod:tube blockage ratios. It is found that the former can be done with reasonable accuracy, but that dedicated preliminary CFD simulations will be required for each blockage ratio.

KW - Choked-flows

KW - Combined 1d/2d methods

KW - Drag

KW - Hyperloop

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105012091416

M3 - Conference contribution

AN - SCOPUS:105012091416

T3 - Papers Presented at 20th International Symposium on Aerodynamics, Ventillation and Fire in Tunnels, ISAVFT 2024

SP - 591

EP - 611

BT - Papers Presented at 20th International Symposium on Aerodynamics, Ventillation and Fire in Tunnels, ISAVFT 2024

A2 - Brandt, Rune

PB - ISAVFT Ltd.

T2 - 20th International Symposium on Aerodynamics, Ventillation and Fire in Tunnels, ISAVFT 2024

Y2 - 28 October 2024 through 30 October 2024

ER -