Flow topology and boundary layer formation over long bluff trains

This thesis investigates how air flows around freight trains and how this affects aerodynamic drag, which has a direct impact on fuel efficiency. By combining full-scale measurements from an instrumented container on an operating train with controlled wind-tunnel experiments, the study examines how factors such as container spacing, train length, and crosswinds influence airflow behaviour. Advanced analysis techniques are used to better understand both steady and unsteady flow features. The findings help improve the prediction of aerodynamic performance and provide insights that can support the design and operation of more energy-efficient freight trains.