Investigation of aerodynamic behaviour of a high-speed train on different railway infrastructure scenarios under crosswind

Journal article, 2022

The aerodynamic behaviour of a CRH high-speed train under three infrastructure scenarios (flat ground, embankment, and viaduct) in the presence of a crosswind was simulated using a 1/8th scaled train model with three cars and the IDDES framework. The time-averaged and instantaneous flow field around the model were examined. The employed numerical algorithm was verified through a wind tunnel test, and the grid and timestep resolution analyses were conducted to ensure the reliability of the data. It was noted that the flow around the rail line was different under different infrastructure scenarios, especially in the case of the embankment, which degraded the aerodynamic performance of the train under the crosswind. The flow around the train on the flat ground and viaduct was different, although the aerodynamic performance of the train was similar in both cases. Moreover, the viaduct accidents were noted to have the most critical consequences, thereby requiring the most attention. The aerodynamic performance of the train on the windward track of the embankment under the crosswind was worse than that of the train on the leeward track. But for the other two infrastructure scenarios, the aerodynamic performance of the train on the windward track is relatively dangerous, which is mainly caused by the head car. These observations suggest that the aerodynamic behaviour of the train on an embankment under a crosswind must be carefully considered and that certain wind protection measures must be adopted around rail lines in windy areas.