Construction of a Flow Test Rig with a Predefined Shape of the Boundary Layer to Investigate Sand Absorption by Side Flaps on a High-Speed Train

For a high-speed train operating in the desert, a certain proportion of sand may be lifted up from the ground in the vicinity of the underfloor caused by the turbulent slipstream. The train under investigation here has a number of lattice doors (side flaps) near the ground where air is sucked in with a certain amount of volume flow. To experimentally address the situation in the desert, a test rig was designed and constructed which establishes a flow on the surface of the side flap in full scale, whereas in addition the flow can be enriched with a constant, predetermined mass fraction of sand. The setup finally allows for comparison of different kind of filters and sealing attached to the side flap. Here, the design and construction of the experimental rig is presented.