Effect of Braking Plates on the Aerodynamic Behaviors of a High-Speed Train Subjected to Crosswinds

Abstract

Using aerodynamic resistance to provide braking force for trains is an economical braking method. It has few components to wear out and requires no energy. But the aerodynamic braking plate will significantly affect train’s aerodynamics behaviors. This paper studies the effect of the braking plates’ layout on the aerodynamic force of head car when a train is running under a crosswind. The results show that the braking plate will not only increase the drag force, but also significantly affect the lift and lateral force of the train’s head car. The installation position of the braking plates will also have a great effect on the aerodynamic force. In order to increase the drag force and weaken other aerodynamic force changes of the head car, we suggest that the first braking plate be arranged at the end of a streamlined shape, and the second braking plate be arranged at the middle of the car body. Compared with trains without braking plates, the head car’s drag force increases by 85.7%, lift force only increases by 7.6%, and side force decreases by 5.9%, when the braking plates are in operation.

Numerical simulation and optimization on opening angles of aerodynamic braking plates sets for a maglev train

“…In particular, the upstream braking plate will have an aerodynamic interference effect on the downstream braking plate when the train is equipped with multiple sets of braking plates [14]. Takami [15] combined the simulation and wind tunnel test and found that the drag of the braking plate was maximum at an opening angle of 75° to 85°, and there were a series of interference effects among the plates.…”