Aerodynamic Design of a Hyperloop Pod by Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis

by Ms Nathalie Nick (ETHZ)

Wednesday 29 May 2019, 14:30 → 15:30 Europe/Zurich

OHSA/E13 (Paul Scherrer Institut)

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 of a pod participating in a Hyperloop Pod Competition is developed and the shape is improved. A computational fluid dynamics simulation environment has been set up.

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 results, the pod's shell geometry was enhanced. Further, the obtained shape was simulated and analyzed at open-air and near vacuum conditions. 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 verify the obtained CFD results.