Numerical Simulation of Flow Fields Near Novel Smoke-Exhaustible Sound Absorbers Integrated into Metro Noise Barriers

Metro noise barriers installed at ground level or on elevated tracks are required to be equipped with smoke extraction functionality to enhance visibility, mitigate fire propagation, and ensure a safer environment for metro passengers in the event of a fire. In this study, the velocity and pressure fields near one conventional smoke exhaust vent and two types of novel smoke-exhaustible sound absorbers during fire smoke extraction are analysed and compared by numerical simulation. The simulation results reveal the characteristics and changing trends of velocity and pressure distribution in the settling chamber and show that the regions characterized by the highest pressure and lowest velocity were situated in the top corners adjacent to the sidewalls of the settling chamber. The findings offer practical guidance for determining optimal placement of pressure difference measurement points in tests or simulations designed to evaluate the aerodynamic free area of various smoke exhaust openings.