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The heat transfer coefficient of a train brake disk

Temperature field, CFD, fluid-structure interaction in ANSYS

Sector: Rail vehicle constructionSpecialist field: Fluid mechanics, Heat Transfer

Seeking to determine via simulation the heat transfer coefficients between the brake disks of a train and the surrounding air, Faiveley Transport Witten GmbH turned to CADFEM.

Summary

Task

The aim of the computational analysis was to determine the heat transfer coefficients (the αk values) that occur between the brake disk of a train and the surrounding air during braking.

Solution

For the purposes of this assignment, a finite element model was generated within both the solid (the brake disk) and the fluid (the air). Adopting an iterative approach meant ANSYS CFX could be used to determine the heat transfer coefficients that occurred during braking.

Customer benefits

The newly acquired results mean assessments can now be carried out for similar assignments.

Project Details

Task

The aim of the computational analysis was to determine the heat transfer coefficients (the αk values) that occur between the brake disk of a train and the surrounding air during braking. The heat input at the friction surfaces is cooled by the surrounding air via the medium of the cooling fins. The rotational speed of the wheel and the position of the ribs ensure that air is supplied through the hub and that it flows around the cooling fins in the most effective way possible.


Customer Benefit

The newly acquired results mean assessments can now be carried out for similar assignments, and experimental comparisons have demonstrated the applicability of this approach.


Solution

For the purposes of this assignment, a finite element model was generated within both the solid (the brake disk) and the fluid (the air). On account of the rotational symmetry, it was sufficient to use 1/9 of the full model as the computational model. In order to take into account the rotation of the component, the fluid chamber was defined as a rotating domain. Adopting an iterative approach meant it was possible to determine the heat transfer coefficients that occurred during braking. Based on an initial transient temperature field analysis, it was possible to estimate new αk values by carrying out steady-state CFD / temperature field calculations at discrete points in time. In turn, these values serve as the boundary condition for the temperature field analysis when it comes to the next possible iteration loop. This made determination of robust αk values possible. Moreover, it was established that the αk values were highly dependent on the flow conditions. The rotational speed of the disk serves as a central parameter in this context. The calculations were performed using ANSYS CFX.

Images: © Faiveley


Business Development Manager CFD

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