Aerodynamic risk for high speed freight trains
A barrier to increasing freight speeds is the risk from increased aerodynamic forces.
New freight locomotives and wagons can haul freight at higher speeds than previously possible, but the ability to unlock new freight haulage is limited by the aerodynamic speed restriction (75mph). Moving freight at higher speeds has the potential to increase risk on the network.
There was a need to review industry standards and guidance related to freight train movements and the associated aerodynamic risk.
This research reviewed and assessed industry standards and guidance relating to freight train movement and aerodynamic risk.
An assessment of the evidence base behind the requirements identified what new evidence is needed to remove or mitigate the aerodynamic risk from freight haulage above 75mph.
There are significant benefits linked to higher speed freight haulage. They include allowing freight to fit in more seamlessly between passenger services, introducing a step-change in freight operation, improved performance, and the opening of new rail freight markets.
A follow up project (COF-ARF) is underway to develop the required evidence base for faster freight. This is using the University of Birmingham’s Transient Aerodynamic Investigation rig to assess aerodynamic forces compared with allowable levels.