The aerodynamic performance of moving high-speed maglev train–guideway system under crosswind

When a high-speed maglev train runs on the guideway, its running stability can be easily disturbed by crosswinds. The guideway-holding configuration of the maglev train and the maglev train positioning will significantly affect the aerodynamic flow characteristics of the train-guideway system under crosswind, and seriously deteriorate its stable operation. In this study, the refined Computational Fluid Dynamics model of a moving high-speed maglev train–guideway system is developed and verified by means of field test adopting the sliding mesh method. Then, the aerodynamic airflow characteristics and aerodynamic coupling mechanism of the moving maglev train–guideway system are studied. Finally, the influences of various parameters on the aerodynamic characteristics of the system are discussed. The results indicate that the shielding effect of the levitation frame on the guideway significantly alters the airflow characteristics of the maglev system under crosswinds, leading to increased lift forces. The middle car exhibits the most stable aerodynamic performance, while the head car experiences significant aerodynamic lateral forces, and the tail car sees notable increases in lift forces. Crosswinds can deteriorate its aerodynamic performance, with both the magnitude and variation of aerodynamic forces intensifying as wind velocity increases. The aerodynamic performance of the newly developed high-speed maglev train with a maximum running speed of 600 km/h surpasses that of the conventional transrapid-08 (TR08) maglev train.