Exjobb: Numerical Simulation of the Flow around a

High-Speed Train
The current trend in train development is towards faster and lighter trains. These developments cause higher
demands on the aerodynamic performance of the train. This includes for example aerodynamic drag,
crosswind and slipstream. When designing a high-speed train all of these different aerodynamic phenomena
have to be considered.
In our group at KTH, we simulate the flow around different ground vehicles, such as trains, cars and trucks,
in order to get a deeper understanding of the aerodynamics of these vehicles. We use computational fluid
dynamics (CFD) to numerically simulate the flow around the vehicles. We are currently looking for a student
to do an exjobb (master thesis) on train aerodynamics.
The task of the exjobb would be to evaluate the CFD-software Star-CCM+. Our group how until now been
using Star-CD, but have contemplating a switch to CCM+, which are both made by the same company, CDadapco. The evaluation of CCM+ would start to get familiarized with the code and then do RANS and
URANS computations on a high-speed train geometry. These results can be compared to earlier results
performed in Star-CD. After that there are numerous options on how to continue, either advanced analyzing
techniques of the flow (Proper Orthogonal Decomposition), advanced turbulence modeling (Detached Eddy
Simulation), advanced visualization etc. These are things we have experience and knowledge about with StarCD, but are interested in understanding how well they perform with CCM+. Here we will be interested in
your input, both in terms of results from the first part and what would interest you.

We are looking for someone with

-

Background in Fluid Mechanics/ Aerodynamics or equivalent

Basic knowledge of CFD
Fluent writing and speech in English and/or Swedish

Contact persons:
Tomas Muld
Ph.D. student (doktorand)
muto02@kth.se

08 790 80 15

Gunilla Efraimsson
Docent
gef@kth.se

08-790 64 31