Effects of lateral translation on aerodynamic characteristics of superconducting maglev trains

Abstract

Irregularities in the track and uneven forces acting on the train can cause shifts in the position of the superconducting magnetic levitation train relative to the track during operation. These shifts lead to asymmetries in the flow field structure on both sides of the narrow suspension gap, resulting in instability and deterioration of the train’s aerodynamic characteristics, significantly impacting its operational safety. In this study, we firstly validate the aerodynamic characteristics of the superconducting magnetic levitation system by developing a numerical simulation method based on wind tunnel test results. We then investigate the influence of lateral translation parameters on the train’s aerodynamic performance under conditions both with and without crosswinds. We aim to clarify the evolution mechanism of the flow field characteristics under the coupling effect between the train and the U-shaped track and to identify the most unfavorable operational parameters contributing to the deterioration of the train’s aerodynamic properties. The findings show that, without crosswinds, a lateral translation of 30 mm causes a synchronous resonance phenomenon at the side and bottom gaps of the train-track coupling, leading to the worst aerodynamic performance. Under crosswind conditions, a lateral translation of 40 mm maximizes peak pressure fluctuations and average turbulent kinetic energy around the train, resulting in the poorest aerodynamic performance. This research provides theoretical support for enhancing the operational stability of superconducting magnetic levitation trains.

Keywords

superconducting magnetic trains / lateral translation / aerodynamic characteristics / crosswind operation / flow coupling

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