Numerical simulation of air flow in short metro ventilation shafts caused by a piston effect

Abstract

Protecting the infrastructure of the metro from unauthorized actions with the help of ventilation openings of the systems is one of the main security problems of this type of transport. This article discusses the problem of the dynamics of distribution of the mass flow rate of ventilation air in a two-component system “tunnel vertical ventilation shaft”, due to the piston effect of a moving train. The dependence of the mass flow rate of ventilation air passing in both directions in short ventilation shafts (up to 10 m), on the speed, location of the rolling stock and cross-sectional area of the ventilation shaft is investigated. It is shown, that at speeds of 10–20 m / s of rolling stock and sections of the ventilation shaft of more than 4 m2, the mass flow rate of air passing through the ventilation shaft must be taken into account with the mass flow rate of ventilation air in the transport tunnel for assessing the safety of the harmful aerosols. These processes can have a significant impact on the air quality of the underground infrastructure of the metro.