On the estimation of the influence of wind load on a freight train

The article is devoted to the research of the of wind load effect on the aerodynamic component to the movement of a freight train. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of aerodynamic resistance on the consumption of fuel and energy resources (FER) on train traction. The article shows the high significance of this problem for Joint Stock Company Russian Railways (RZD JSC). The conclusions were drawn from the analysis of statistical data on the routes of locomotive drivers, working on the Pallasovka-Verkhniy Baskunchak section, which is undergone to wind loads. The SOLIDWORKS application was used to design a train with a locomotive and gondola cars coupled on an embankment, and SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation plug-in was used to simulate wind load, different in speed, varying from 0 to 90º. The values of the force of aerodynamic resistance to movement for the train as a whole and for each unit of the rolling stock separately were obtained. Using the methods of the theory of train traction, the influence of aerodynamic drag on fuel consumption for traction has been assessed. Based on the obtained values of the aerodynamic drag forces and patterns of air flow distribution, conclusions were drawn about the effect of loading a gondola car on an increase in traffic resistance. Conclusions are drawn about the effect of wind load on each unit of rolling stock in the train. It was found that when the wind is directed at an angle to the axis of the path, the force of the wind effect increases, compared with the case when the angle between the axis of the path and the velocity vector is zero. The experimental data on the increase in resistance from the wind load are confirmed by theoretical calculation, as well as practical processing of routes machinists. This article demonstrates the need for a separate regulation of fuel and energy resources in the event of wind loads, and may be useful in further detailed study of the aerodynamic drag of freight trains.