Abstract:
The aerodynamic problem, which has not been a serious one previously in the field of train technology, is now becoming serious as the train speed is increased: aerodynamic noise, aerodynamic drag, train oscillation, and structural damage, etc. Of these, the present investigation deals with the aerodynamic problems concerned with the shapes of a nose coach and a pantograph, which are the most important portions to be improved in the train system as far as the train aerodynamics and noise are concerned. Using a recently constructed low-noise, low-turbulence small wind tunnel, systematic investigations have been conducted experimentally, and new shapes for those train components are being developed and suggested for future high-speed train systems. Especially, a detailed investigation was done for the insulator (Gaishi, in Japanese), and a low-noise insulator was developed.