What is it about?
Hyperloop is a relatively new concept for transporting passengers though a network of low-pressure tubes at transonic and supersonic speeds. In a similar fashion to high-speed rail through tunnels, passengers are transported in pods which can travel significant distances in short spaces of time. This article presents a new approach for accurately simulating the aerodynamic behaviour of a generic Hyperloop vehicle. It also underlines the potential of Hyperloop travel with aerodynamic drag predicted to be 300 times less than equivalent rail vehicles operating in normal atmospheric conditions.
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Why is it important?
A new Hyperloop pod design is proposed as a benchmark for aerodynamics research. Inspired by the shape of a rifle bullet, the simulation approach accurately replicates experimental observations and measurements. This is the first article to address the issue of standardising a benchmark design for this application. It is envisaged that this will form the basis for future novel designs.
Perspectives
This work is the culmination of years of dedication from the lead author, PhD student Alex Lang. With support from academic and industrial supervisors, it is satisfying to see the work published for the world to see.
Carl Gilkeson
University of Leeds
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Benchmark problems for simulating Hyperloop aerodynamics, Physics of Fluids, October 2024, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0229914.
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