Research on the safety of high-speed train operation under strong wind gust

To investigate the operational safety and derailment boundaries of high-speed trains under strong gust conditions, a high-speed vehicle-rail coupling dynamic derailment model is developed, incorporating the effects of gusts. In this model, the high-speed vehicle is modeled as a multi-rigid body system with 35 degrees of freedom, and the dynamic wind field employs the double-exponential dynamic gust model as specified in the Chinese railway industry standard TB/T3503.5-2023. The aerodynamic loads surrounding the vehicle are simplified into a centralized force system acting on the car body, based on wind tunnel test results of the CN-III high-speed train standard model and aerodynamic coefficients derived. The normal and creep-slip forces between wheels and rails are calculated using Hertz nonlinear elastic contact theory and Kalker linear creep-slip theory, with concurrent nonlinear corrections applied. The numerical simulations explore the dynamic responses, derailment mechanisms, and key influencing factors of high-speed vehicles under strong gusts in depth. The study establishes derailment/safety domains for high-speed vehicles, considering multiple key factors and derailment assessment criteria, providing theoretical support for the safety management of high-speed trains in gusty environments.