Aerodynamic Design of a Hyperloop Pod by Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis

Abstract

The rise in mobility and demand for fast movement brings the traditional modes of transport to their limits. A broader development of transport systems is crucial. The Hyperloop pushes the boundaries and enables an efficient and safe way of transport. With the principle of a pneumatic tube, transport capsules, so-called pods, travel at high speeds through a low-pressure tube to minimize aerodynamic drag. To guarantee a solid development, aerodynamic phenomena need to be investigated and addressed. In the present bachelor thesis, the aerodynamic design system for a pod participating in a Hyper- loop Pod Competition is developed. The design-by-simulation system consists of three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) and the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The CFD simulation part is the main topic in this thesis. Various three-dimensional CFD simulations at partial-vacuum condition were performed, analyzed and compared whereby the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle’s surface could noticeably be reduced. Based on the design-by-simulation system, the pod’s shell geometry was improved, drag reduction of 19 percent was achieved. Further, the optimized shape was simulated and analyzed for conditions with different system pressure. The results build a firm foundation for further aerodynamic elaboration and investigation for the Hyperloop concept. On this basis, it is recommended to perform physical tests and measurements of the pod to validate the obtained CFD results.