Effect of side-airfoil configurations on crosswind anti-overturning performance for high-speed trains

Abstract

To meet the higher requirements of high-speed trains operational stability under crosswind and improve the train’s resistance to overturning, this study investigated the effects of various side-airfoil (SA) configurations installed on the train leeward side wall (LWS). The Shear Stress Transfer k −ω (SST k − ω) turbulence model was used to simulate the aerodynamic performance of the train and the surrounding flow field. And there are four numerical side-airfoil configurations: Baseline (the original train model), N10 (the train with ten SAs), N9 (that with nine SAs), and N7 (that with seven SAs). The results reveal that the various side-airfoil configurations effectively enhance the anti-overturning performance of the train by decreasing both the lateral force and overturning moment; the lightweight configuration of the side-airfoils (SAs) expands the space for airflow development on the leeward side, thereby simultaneously altering the pressure distribution over the train and promoting a more gradual variation of the surrounding flow field; and the head and tail car configurations play a more dominant role in enhancing operational stability compared to the middle. Compared with the original train model (Case Baseline), Case N10 and Case N9 exhibit comparable performance, with the lateral force reductions of 5.7% and 6.0%, and the overturning moment decreases of 9.4% and 9.8%, respectively. Notably, Case N7 achieves the optimal results with the minimum SA configuration, dropping the lateral force by 9.1% and the overturning moment by 13.1%. Consequently, the proposed configurations provide a promising strategy for improving operational stability of the higher-speed train under crosswind.

Keywords

high-speed trains / side-airfoil configurations / RANS method / anti-overturning performance / crosswind

References

[1] Liu T, Yan H, Gao H, et al.. Advancements in crosswind safety for multiple-unit train operations on the Southern Xinjiang Railway, China [J]. Advances in Wind Engineering, 2025, 2(1): 100023

[2] Baker C, Cheli F, Orellano A, et al.. Cross-wind effects on road and rail vehicles [J]. Vehicle System Dynamics, 2009, 47(8): 983-1022

[3] Zhang J, Tebeje G D, Adamu A, et al.. Investigation of train-embankment relative motion modes on aerodynamic performance of a high-speed train under crosswind [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2026, 270: 106356

[4] Zhao L, Deng E, Yang W, et al.. Unraveling the impact of cutting transition section on the aerodynamic loads of high-speed trains: Utilizing the IDDES approach [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2024, 31(3): 989-1002

[5] Gallagher M, Morden J, Baker C, et al.. Trains in crosswinds - Comparison of full-scale on-train measurements, physical model tests and CFD calculations [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2018, 175: 428-444

[6] Sun B, Chen G, Chen J, et al.. Performance of a vehicle-mounted anemometer under crosswind: Simulation and experiment [J]. Transportation Safety and Environment, 2023, 5(3): tdac053

[7] Pang J, Zhou W, Shi C, et al.. Full-scale test of the effects of crosswinds on the operating posture of passenger trains [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2025, 32(12): 5105-5123

[8] Hashmi S A, Hemida H, Soper D. Wind tunnel testing on a train model subjected to crosswinds with different windbreak walls [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2019, 195: 104013

[9] Yang Z, Xu G, Wu F, et al.. The influence of the leading-edge angle of subgrade on the aerodynamic loads of a high-speed train in a wind tunnel [J]. Transportation Safety and Environment, 2024, 6(2): tdad020

[10] Huang Z, Li W, Chen L. Effects of the Reynolds number on train aerodynamics considering air compressibility: A wind tunnel study [J]. Transportation Safety and Environment, 2024, 6(4): tdae006

[11] Han S, Zhang J, Tudball-Smith D, et al.. A novel passive flow control method employing vortex generators to suppress wake flow characteristics of a high-speed train: Mechanism and application [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2026, 33(1): 484-505

[12] Abubakar S, Adamu A, Melaku T G, et al.. Passive flow control on suppressing wake switch dynamics of a squareback vehicle [J]. Physics of Fluids, 2026, 38(2): 025121

[13] Zhang Molin, Wang Yihan, Xu Ao, et al. A novel pressure relief space angle for tunnel hood vented holes to mitigate micro-pressure wave at maglev tunnel exit [J]. International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, 2026: 1–27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/hff-04-2026-0549.

[14] Adamu A, Jie Z, Krajnovic S, et al.. A numerical study on the airwake of a simplified ship using IDDES: Impact of aspect ratios [J]. Ocean Engineering, 2026, 356: 125360

[15] Zhang J, Zhang M, Han S, et al.. A novel asymptotic linear method for micro-pressure wave mitigation at high-speed maglev tunnel exit: A case study with various open ratios on tunnel hoods [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2025, 32(5): 1955-1972

[16] Xu A, Huang F, Liu T, et al.. A novel leeward airbag for enhancing aerodynamic characteristics of a highspeed train in crosswind: The effect of installation positions [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2025, 32(12): 5061-5079

[17] Huo X, Liu T, Chen X, et al.. Surrogate-based aerodynamic shape optimization for train geometry design [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2025, 259: 106044

[18] Xiong X, Liu L, Chen G, et al.. Effect of train heights on aerodynamic performance of high-speed trains under crosswind [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2025, 32(12): 5080-5104

[19] Shang W, Gao G, Miao X, et al.. Impact of bogie fairing configuration on the aerodynamic performance of high-speed train under crosswind [J]. Mechanics Based Design of Structures and Machines, 2024, 52(9): 6209-6232

[20] Munoz-Paniagua J, Garcia J. Aerodynamic surrogate-based optimization of the nose shape of a high-speed train for crosswind and passing-by scenarios [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2019, 184: 139-152

[21] Yan H, Chen G, Liu T, et al.. Optimizing wind protection facilities and enhancing aerodynamic performance of track vehicles in railway transition section [J]. International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, 2026, 36(1): 1-28

[22] Zhang J, Huang F, Liu T, et al.. An external design for performance improvement of the transition windbreak wall between an embankment and a hill cut on a high-speed railway [J]. Transportation Safety and Environment, 2025, 7(2): tdaf010

[23] Niu J, Zhang Y, Li R, et al.. Aerodynamic simulation of effects of one- and two-side windbreak walls on a moving train running on a double track railway line subjected to strong crosswind [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2022, 221: 104912

[24] Xue R, Xiong X, Chen G, et al.. Numerical comparison of aerodynamic performance between stationary and moving trains with varied-height windbreak wall under crosswind [J]. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 2025, 110: 540-556

[25] Mohebbi M, Yuan M, Mohebbi R. Enhancing high-speed train stability: Unraveling the influence of sloping crosswind shields on aerodynamic characteristic [J]. Engineering Structures, 2025, 326: 119569

[26] Liu Z, Liu T, Gao H, et al.. Flow characteristics and wind-sheltering performance of wind barriers with different diameters of holes on railway viaducts [J]. International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, 2023, 33(11): 3748-3769

[27] Mohebbi M, Safaee A M. The optimum model determination of porous barriers in high-speed tracks [J]. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 2022, 236(1): 15-25

[28] He X, Zhou L, Chen Z, et al.. Effect of wind barriers on the flow field and aerodynamic forces of a train - bridge system [J]. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid ransit, 2019, 233(3): 283-297

[29] Liu T, Wang L, Gao H, et al.. Research progress on train operation safety in Xinjiang railway under wind environment [J]. Transportation Safety and Environment, 2022, 4(2): tdac005

[30] Chen Z, Guo Z, Che Z, et al.. Evaluation of active leeward side air-blowing layout on the lateral aerodynamic performance of high-speed trains in crosswinds environment: Sustainable and safe operation strategy [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2024, 247: 105695

[31] Chen Z, Ni Y, Wang Y, et al.. Mitigating crosswind effect on high-speed trains by active blowing method: A comparative study [J]. Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics, 2022, 16(1): 1064-1081

[32] Xu B, Liu T, Shi X, et al.. Mitigation of crosswind effects on high-speed trains using vortex generators [J]. Physics of Fluids, 2024, 36(7): 075199

[33] Zhang J, Xu A, Huang F, et al.. A novel vortex control method for improving anti-overturning performance of a high-speed train with leeward airbag structures under crosswinds [J]. Physics of Fluids, 2024, 36(6): 065146

[34] Huang F, Shang W, Zhang J, et al.. Optimization of crosswind stability for high-speed trains: Aerodynamic analysis of leeward winglet deflection angles [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2025, 32(12): 5124-5142

[35] Chen J, Xu A, Liu T, et al.. On enhancing anti-overturning performance of a high-speed train with side airfoils in crosswinds [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 2025, 264: 106151

[36] Huang S, Peng W, Li Z, et al.. The aerodynamics of trains passing through wind barriers with different forms of damage under crosswind conditions [J]. Transportation Safety and Environment, 2025, 7(2): tdaf021

[37] GB 146.2—2020 Gauge for standard gauge railways—Part 2: Structure gauge [S]. (in Chinese)

[38] TB/T 3503.4—2018 National Railway Administration of the People’s Republic of China. Railway applications-Aerodynamics-Part 4: Specifications for numerical simulation of train aerodynamic performance [S]. (in Chinese)

[39] Menter F R. Two-equation eddy-viscosity turbulence models for engineering applications [J]. AIAA Journal, 1994, 32(8): 1598-1605

[40] BS EN 14067-6: 2018+A1: 2022 European Committee for Standardization. Railway applications—Aerodynamics—Part 6: Requirements and test procedures for cross wind assessment [S].

[41] Baker C J, Brockie N J. Wind tunnel tests to obtain train aerodynamic drag coefficients: Reynolds number and ground simulation effects [J]. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 1991, 38(1): 23-28

[42] Xiao J, Huang Z, Chen L. Review of aerodynamic investigations for high speed train[J]. Mechanics In Engineering, 2013, 35(2): 1-12(in Chinese)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Central South University

Just Accepted

This article has successfully passed peer review and final editorial review, and will soon enter typesetting, proofreading and other publishing processes. The currently displayed version is the accepted final manuscript. The officially published version will be updated with format, DOI and citation information upon launch. We recommend that you pay attention to subsequent journal notifications and preferentially cite the officially published version. Thank you for your support and cooperation.