Effects of windbreak gap characteristics on the operating safety of a high-speed train operating in crosswind conditions

To optimize the cost-benefit tradeoff, high-speed trains are often operated on existing rail lines. Therefore, it is critical to understand the effects of different windbreak gaps on the operational safety of high-speed trains on existing lines in windy areas. In this study, we first investigated the types of windbreak gaps present on existing railway lines in windy areas. We then employed computational fluid dynamics and multi-body dynamics simulations to reveal the distributions of wind speed on the track under different gaps as well as the aerodynamic performance and dynamic response of trains negotiating different gaps. The results reveal that typical windbreak gaps on existing lines do not affect the operational safety of high-speed trains under crosswind conditions; however, these windbreak gaps produce significant car swaying, which may affect the comfort of riders on the train. This study systematically examines the impact of typical windbreak gaps on the safety of high-speed trains operating at increased speeds in windy areas on existing railways through on-site investigation and numerical simulation, which will provide practical insights for railway safety management and optimization of windbreak design.