Robust optimisation of the streamlined shape of a high-speed train in crosswind conditions

Abstract

Traditional deterministic aerodynamic optimisation cannot consider environmental uncertainty, which may lead to sensitivity issues. The present study proposes a robust design framework for the aerodynamic optimisation of high-speed trains, which accounts for the uncertain wind and its impact on crosswind stability. In this framework, a variance analysis method based on the Non-Intrusive Polynomial Chaos is proposed to determine the deformation area, and a parametric model is subsequently established. The Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is used as the optimiser to minimise the mean and variance of the aerodynamic response. The mean and variance can be quickly predicted by an uncertainty analysis approach combining Monte Carlo simulation and Kriging model. The framework is then applied to the optimisation of a high-speed train under crosswind. The results of the robust optimisation are compared with those of the baseline geometry and deterministic optimisation. The mean and variance of the rolling moment under crosswind are reduced by 2.26% and 3.37% respectively after optimisation, indicating that the performance and robustness are both improved. The proposed framework is effective for the engineering design of high-speed trains and can also provide a reference for the robust design of other aerodynamic shapes.

KEYWORDS:

• Railway aerodynamic
• High-speed train
• Crosswind
• Robust optimisation
• Flow structures

Acknowledgements

The numerical calculations in this study were carried out on the ORISE Supercomputer.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work is supported by the China National Railway Group Science and Technology Program grant (N2022T001, P2021J036).