A three-dimensional flow field induced by two trains passing by each other inside a tunnel is studied based on the numerical simulation of the three-dimensional compressible Euler/Navier-Stokes equations formulated in the finite difference approximation. Domain decomposition method with the FSA(fortified solution algorithm) interface scheme is used to treat this moving-body problem. The computed resluts show basic characteristic of the flow field created when two trains passing by each other. History of the pressure distributions and the aerodynamic forces acting on the trains are mailnly discussed. The results indicate that the phenomenon is complicated due to the interaction of the flow induced by two trains. Strong side force occurs between the two trains when the front portion of the opposite train passes by. It fluctuates rapidly and maximum suction force occurs when two trains are aligned side by side. The results also indicate the effectiveness of the present numerical method for moving boundary problems.

An axisymmetric flow induced by a train moving into a tunnel is numerically simulated. The effect of train shape on wavefront of a compression wave created by a train is investigated parametrically using several model trains having the same nose shape but different blockage. The zonal method combined with the Fortified Solution Algorithm (FSA) is employed as a numerical algorithm to solve this moving body problem. The computational result is compared with the experimental data. Good agreement is obtained, which justifies the present computational approach. The compression waves created by the model trains are compared and the result shows that the pressure gradient of the wavefront of the compression wave becomes small in the case of small blockage even though the nose shape is same. The wavefront is not determined solely by the cross-sectional area distribution of the train nose.

Effect of visualization as a tool for the education of fluid dynamics is mainly discussed. Visualized images are much more understandable compared to the explanation using equations and texts. Several examples are presented to clarify this statement. Then, the software system for teaching fluid dynamics using the results by the numerical simulation is discussed. Two important issues on what is needed in the system are given. First, such systems should be capable of animating images. Second, such systems should be interactively used by students. Changing parameters, coefficients, equations, etc. themselves and watching the difference are important for them to understand the nature of physics underlying the equations. The teaching system with visualization is no doubt a good tool for introducing fluid dynamics.

In the present paper, visualization techniques in fluid dynamic experiments such as Schlieren photograph are numerically simulated so that the same output as the experimental flow visualization can be obtained from the computed results for the fair comparison. Numerical methods to simulate optical visualizations, that are Schlieren photograph, shadowgraph and interferogram, are considered. Some examples of pictures obtained by the present methods show the importance of the simulations of visualization techniques for the correct comparisons of the computations and experiments.