Crosswind effects on a train-bridge system: wind tunnel tests with a moving vehicle

Abstract

To better understand the aerodynamic characteristics of a train-bridge system under crosswind, an in-house experimental apparatus was developed in a wind tunnel at Central South University (CSU). The new facility consists of trains, a bridge, U-shaped slide rails, and positioning systems with winches. A wireless data acquisition system for pressure measurements was mounted within the train carriage to avoid any potential aerodynamic interference. A 1:25 scaled model of CRH2 running over a simply supported girder bridge was tested in a wind tunnel. The aerodynamic characteristics of the train-bridge system under various combinations of crosswind speed, train speed, and vehicle location on the bridge were identified. The experimental results reveal that the cosine law for surface wind pressure on a train under crosswind is no longer valid when the train runs on the bridge. The moving model method can better capture the more practical aerodynamic characteristics and the impact of train movement on the bridge. The present study indicates that the wind tunnel experiments using the stationary model cannot fully reveal the aerodynamic characteristics of both the train and bridge during crossing. The results captured using this unique approach provide insight into the aerodynamic characteristics of trains and bridges.