Effect of tracks on the flow and heat transfer of supersonic evacuated tube maglev transportation

Abstract In this work, the real maglev train and tube are modeled. Considering the narrow suspension gap, the aerodynamic characteristics in evacuated tube transportation with and without tracks (referred to as WT and NT (no tracks), respectively) are simulated based on the SST k- ω two-equation IDDES turbulence model and overset mesh technology, the wave system distribution characteristics under the asymmetric model are revealed and the effects of tracks on flow and heat transfer are discussed. The results demonstrate that the existence of the tracks increases the piston region by 0.005 L (L represents the length of the train). Additionally, the tracks have a significant impact on the evolution of the wake vortex. The unstable vortices dissipate more energy and reduce the effect of the wave system in the WT case, resulting in a 0.024 L shorter wake region than in the NT. Besides, the tracks hardly affect the drag force coefficient. However, the tracks cause a more significant impact in the vertical direction, resulting in an up to 23.20% reduction of lift coefficient of the overall train in the NT model. In terms of aerodynamic heating, the effect of the tracks on the shock wave generated at the tail curve bottom is greater than the top surface.