Aerodynamic behavior of a 600 km/h high-speed maglev train under crosswinds with different wind attack angles

With the engineering application of 600 km/h high-speed maglev trains, their operational safety under crosswinds requires an in-depth investigation. Crosswinds with attack angles significantly deteriorate levitation stability and exacerbate overturning risks; however, existing studies rarely address wind attack angles and ultra-high-speed operation. Using a new maglev train model and the improved delayed detached eddy simulation method, this study quantitatively reveals the influence of wind attack angle on the aerodynamic behavior of high-speed maglev trains. The results demonstrated that as the absolute values of the wind attack angle increased, the drag, lift, and side forces of the entire train increased, with maximum increases of 4.2%, 3.2%, and 16.4%, respectively. Under negative attack angles, the increases in drag and side forces were greater, exacerbating overturning risks; whereas positive attack angles induced larger lift forces, compromising levitation stability. The peak rolling moments for both the head and tail cars also occurred at negative attack angles, with increases of 3.7% and 7.6%, respectively. For the flow structures, two primary vortex systems existed on the leeward side: a separation–reattachment vortex system and a shedding vortex system. As the wind attack angle decreased from 15° to −15°, vortices on the leeward side and in the wake enlarged, exhibiting significantly larger scales and more complex structures under negative attack angles. Overall, the wind attack angle degraded the aerodynamic performance of the train, particularly under negative attack angles, while the 0° wind attack angle exhibited optimal operational safety.