Design of an Origami-Inspired Deployable Aerodynamic Locomotive Fairing

Keywords

origami, origami-based engineering, locomotive, fairing, deployable structure, thick origami

Abstract

The design of an aerodynamic origami-inspired deployable fairing for locomotives is discussed. Because freight locomotives may or may not be in the lead position and the constrained space between coupled locomotives is small, it is desirable for the fairing to be stowed flat in the non-lead position. The resulting fairing is based on non-developable thick origami. Thick origami has traditionally been applied in the context of developable patterns. Considerations for applying thick origami to non-developable patterns is discussed. The fairing geometry is optimized using CFD analysis and multi-dimensional polynomial regression. Prototypes of the fairing are constructed to validate its operational feasibility. The fairing is estimated to reduce overall aerodynamic drag on the locomotive by 16% at a 80 kph velocity. This translates into an estimated fuel savings of over 24,000 liters of diesel annually per train retrofitted with the fairing.

Original Publication Citation

Tolman, K., Crampton, E.B., Stucki, C., Maynes, R.D., Howell, L.L., “Design of an Origami-Inspired Deployable Aerodynamic Locomotive Fairing” Origami7, Vol. 3, pp. 669-684, Proceedings of the 7th International Meeting on Origami in Science, Mathematics and Education, Oxford, UK, Sept 5-7, 2018.

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2018-09-05

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5794

Publisher

Proceedings of the 7th International Meeting on Origami in Science, Mathematics and Education

Language

English

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Mechanical Engineering

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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