Transient aerodynamic behavior of a high-speed Maglev train in plate braking under crosswind.

This article investigates the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of high-speed maglev trains (HSMT) traveling at 600 km/h during the opening and stable braking stages of pneumatic plate braking devices under various crosswind conditions. Using numerical simulations validated by wind tunnel data, the study finds that crosswinds increase the peak aerodynamic drag (AD) on braking plates, particularly intensifying fluctuations on plates located on middle coaches due to upstream vortex shedding. Crosswinds also alter the flow field around the train, decreasing AD on the head coach by up to 43% while increasing AD on the tail coach by approximately 10%, with the tail experiencing the most severe drag fluctuations. These findings highlight the complex interactions between braking plate deployment and crosswind effects, which have implications for the operational safety and fatigue strength of HSMT braking systems.