Aerodynamic modeling and stability analysis of a high-speed train under strong rain and crosswind conditions

Abstract

With the development of high-speed train, it is considerably concerned about the aerodynamic characteristics and operation safety issues of the high-speed train under extreme weather conditions. The aerodynamic performance of a high-speed train under heavy rain and strong crosswind conditions are modeled using the Eulerian two-phase model in this paper. The impact of heavy rainfall on train aerodynamics is investigated, coupling heavy rain and a strong crosswind. Results show that the lift force, side force, and rolling moment of the train increase significantly with wind speed up to 40 m/s under a rainfall rate of 60 mm/h. when considering the rain and wind conditions. The increases of the lift force, side force, and rolling moment may deteriorate the train operating safety and cause the train to overturn. A quasi-static stability analysis based on the moment balance is used to determine the limit safety speed of a train under different rain and wind levels. The results can provide a frame of reference for the train safe operation under strong rain and crosswind conditions.