Stationary and moving simulations on the aerodynamic performance of high-speed maglev trains under different yaw angles

Abstract

This study numerically investigates the effects of yaw angle on the aerodynamic characteristics of an electromagnetic suspension high-speed maglev train by comparing moving and stationary simulation methods. The numerical simulations employ the delayed detached eddy simulation method based on the elliptic blending k–ε model and are conducted for a 1:10-scale train model at yaw angles of β = 0°, β = 5°, and β = 10°. The results show that as the yaw angle increases, the aerodynamic load differences between the two simulation methods widen, with the most pronounced discrepancies observed for the tail car. At β = 10°, the errors in the lift coefficient and rolling moment coefficient of the tail car reach 25.146% and 27.739%, respectively. In terms of the flow-field structure, the leeward-side longitudinal vortices develop more significantly in the moving simulation, and the wake region exhibits more abundant secondary vortex structures and higher turbulent kinetic energy levels, indicating stronger three-dimensional unsteady characteristics. Overall, significant differences exist in the aerodynamic loads and flow-field characteristics of the train obtained from stationary and moving simulations under crosswind conditions, and these differences become more pronounced with increasing yaw angle.