Institution news
An expert in the field of high-speed rail aerodynamics, read on to hear his thoughts on the key challenges and opportunities for engineers working in this field.
Q: Please can you briefly explain your role and involvement in vehicle aerodynamics.
Chris Baker (CB): I have worked in the field of train aerodynamics since the 1980s, primarily on issues to do with cross wind effects, train slipstreams, train drag, underbody flow and ballast flight and air quality. My involvement began when I worked at BR Research in Derby and continued through my time at Nottingham and Birmingham Universities until I retired at the end of 2017. I am the primary author of the textbook “Train Aerodynamics - Fundamentals and Applications” published by Elsevier.
Q: In your experience, what is the number one challenge facing engineers when managing the aerodynamics of a train?
(CB): This is a different answer from the one I would have given a few months ago, but the primary issue now (perhaps in the short term) is I think to do with train pollutant emissions and transport, and passenger cabin internal ventilation (for obvious reasons).
Q: What is the most exciting development in the field of rail aerodynamics at the moment that could be lesson for those involved in automotive?
(CB): This is a very personal view, but to my mind the most exciting developments are in the field of full-scale instrumentation which are enabling large scale datasets of full-scale aerodynamic parameters to be obtained. These I believe form a vital part in the verification of advanced numerical techniques such as DDES and LES simulations. I suspect others would say the most exciting developments are the numerical techniques themselves.
Q: Given the changes in rail over the last ten years, what do you see for the future of aerodynamics over the next five to ten years?
(CB): More emphasis on environmental effects both in and around the rain, and a move to mainly computational based methods of new train certification.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this year’s International Conference on Vehicle Aerodynamics?
(CB): Because I am speaking! Or perhaps it might be better to say that they will have a chance to hear about the related but quite distinct discipline of train aerodynamics.
International Conference on Vehicle Aerodynamics 2020
8 December 2020, Online Live Conference
Taking place live and online, the Institution’s conference will cover the latest developments and technologies in aerodynamics, aeroacoustics and aerothermal design, test and development. Featuring peer-reviewed presentations, this year’s event features the latest technical developments in the field from engineers at Aston Martin Lagonda, Jaguar Land Rover, HORIBA MIRA, University of Stuttgart, FKFS, Dassault Systemes and others.
For full details and to book your place please visit the event website.