Numerische Simulationen

Visualization of the numerical simulations

From 2004 to 2008, the Swissmetro project was further developed by Numexia SA, which is specialized in numerical models and simulations, with up to 7 Engineers.

What was originally planned in the project "Histar" by experiments in a small tunnel model (scale 1:50), has now been achieved by using high-performance computers. This happened much more quickly and at a fraction of the cost that would have been needed for the originally planned experiments. The same technology is currently used in the development of cars and aircraft (eg Airbus A380).

In these simulations, firstly a numerical model of Swissmetro, both vehicle and tunnel, was developed. Simulations were carried out concerning aerodynamic aspects (including any consequent improvements to vehicle shape and mounting), temperature development and the exact relationship between tunnel diameter, air pressure and energy consumption.

Air circulation, the suitability of vehicles for efficient boarding and alighting of passengers, and even whether passengers feel comfortable in such a vehicle can be simulated with a numerical model.

After the numerical simulations it is known that Swissmetro as planned would work at speeds up to 700 km/h. Also, more detailed correlations between aerodynamics, temperature development and profitability have been recognized and, last but not least, a powerful computational model for further investigation is available.

The expenditure of a few million Swiss francs for the simulations was funded by the Confederation’s Innovation Promotion Agency (CTI) while the study was conducted by the foundation Numexia.

The next step should be the implementation of the findings by the industry to ensure that Swissmetro finally becomes a reality.