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Critical Sources of AerodynamicResistance in a Medium DistanceUrban Train: a CFD approach *Fuentes críticas de resistencia aerodinámica en un tren urbanode mediana distancia: un enfoque CFDAndrés F. Tabares, Natalia GómezCésar Nieto, Mauricio GiraldoAbstractIn this article, the aerodynamic behavior of acommuter train operating at average speeds is evaluated,by means of computational fluid dynamics; themain goal is to identify the main aerodynamic dragsources. The study consist of two phases; the first oneis the aerodynamic analysis of the current train usingcertain mesh parameters and the turbulence model– to obtain a real condition of operation, with thisanalysis was obtained the total power consumptioncorresponding to the value of the aerodynamic dragthrown by the simulation process. These results werequalitatively compared with experimental data inorder to validate the simulation process. The secondpart is the identification and analysis of the mainaerodynamic drag zones that the Metro systemgenerate in its interaction with the air, to make apreliminary evaluation of a few modifications thatallowed the reduction in the drag in these criticalzones. Results obtained show the critical zones, thesources of aerodynamic drag that impact negatively onthe system and some evidence that there is a potentialreduction in the total drag force influencing energyconsumption via some minor aerodynamic changes tothe frontal structure, without affecting the operationalcharacteristics of the metro system.Keywords: aerodynamics, energy consumption,commuter train for urban areas, aerodynamic drag.ResumenEl presente artículo evalúa el comportamientoaerodinámico de un tren de cercanías que funcionaa velocidades medias, por medio de la dinámicacomputacional de fluidos. Su objetivo principales identificar las principales fuentes de resistenciaaerodinámica. El estudio consta de dos fases, la• Fecha de recepción del artículo: 02-12-2012 • Fecha de aceptación: 12-02-2013ANDRÉS F. TABARES. Aeronautical Engineer and member of the Research Group on Energy and Thermodynamics; Universidad PontificiaBolivariana. E-mail: andres.tabares@upb.edu.co. NATALIA GÓMEZ VELÁSQUEZ. Mechanical Engineer and member of the Research Groupon Energy and Thermodynamic and Research Group of Aerospace Engineering from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. E-mail: natalia.gomezv@upb.edu.co. MAURICIO GIRALDO OROZCO. PhD in Thermodynamic and Engineering. Mechanical Engineer. Advanced TrainingDirector. Member of the research group in energy and thermodynamic Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. E-mail: mauricio.giraldo@upb.edu.co. CESAR NIETO. PhD in Thermodynamics and Engineering, master in Mechanical Engineer. Member of the Research Group on Energyand Thermodynamic and Research Group of Aerospace Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. E-mail: cesar.nieto@upb.edu.co.* This article of scientific and technological research is derived from the project “Increasing energy efficiency and user comfort inMedellín metro using computational fluid simulation Phase I: Aerodynamic resistance and ventilation”, Energy and Thermodynamicsresearch group and Aerospace Engineering Group, Research Line “Simulation and Modeling / Aerodynamics”. School ofEngineering, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, supported by Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana and Empresa deTransporte Masivo del Valle de Aburrá Ltda. - Metro de Medellín Ltda Contract: 518-2009 Code: 1210-454-22103 Start Date:January 2010. Due Date: December 2011.Revista Científica Guillermo de Ockham. Vol. 11, No. 1. Enero - junio de 2013 - ISSN: 1794-192X - pp. 111-124 ‣ 111