Aerodynamic loads in open air of high speed trains: Analysis of experimental data

The homologation of high-speed trains is a demanding and expensive procedure. In particular, the evaluation of train slipstream according to the standard TSI, 2008 is divided in two different test programmes: one concerning the workers at the trackside and the other studying the passengers standing on the platform. This paper presents some slipstream measurements performed on three high speed trains and a comparison between them. The objective is to investigate the slipstream on the platform and relate it to the flow measured at the trackside at the same height with respect to the top of the rail. This topic is currently under revision by the commission in charge of the TSI standard. Interesting evidence concerning the improvements of the aerodynamic performance of new-generation trains are highlighted.