Numerical simulation of sand load applied on high-speed train in sand environment

High-speed train running in the sand environment is different from the general environment. In the former situation, there will be sand load applied on high-speed train（SLAHT） caused by sand particles hitting train surface. This will have a great impact on the train stability, running drag and surface corrosion. Numerical simulation method of SLAHT in sand environment is studied. The velocity and mass flow rate models of saltation and suspension sand particles and the calculation model of SLAHT caused by sand particles hitting train surface are established. The discrete phase method is adopted for numerical simulating the process of saltation and suspension sand particles moving to train surface and generating sand load. By comparison with the field tests, the numerical simulation reliability is analysed. The theoretical formula of SLAHT changing with cross-wind and train speed is proposed. SLAHT changing law is analyzed. Research results indicate that SLAHT changing with cross-wind and train speed is a quadratic relationship. When train speed is constant, SLAHT increases quadratically with cross-wind speed improvement. When cross-wind speed is constant, SLAHT increases quadratically with train speed improvement.