Numerical investigation on active anti-snow effects of the side air intake duct of the bogie cabin of a high-speed train

During winter operations in snowy conditions, high-speed train bogies are susceptible to significant snow accumulation and icing. To address this, an active snow-proofing measure utilizing a side air intake duct on the bogie cabin is proposed. The anti-snow performance of this design is numerically investigated using a discrete phase model (DPM) coupled with a delayed detached eddy simulation (DDES) method based on the realizable k - ε turbulence model. Results indicate that activating the side intake during operation substantially alters the average flow field structure within the bogie cabin, increasing airflow velocity and modifying the pressure distribution. Wind-snow two-phase flow simulations further demonstrate that the introduced clean airflow significantly reduces snow particle concentration along both sides of the bogie, thereby offering effective protection for the lateral suspension components against snow accumulation. In cases where snow has already accumulated, opening the side intake allows the airflow from the apron board duct to effectively dislodge surface snow from the bogie’s sides and central area. At a train speed of 200 km/h, the snow removal rate can reach approximately 0.3 kg/s. The proposed bogie cabin intake duct design performs dual active functions—protection and snow removal—effectively preventing snow buildup on critical bogie components.