Numerical Simulation of Aerodynamic Interactions between CR450 Trains and Perforated Windbreaks: Effects of Track Topography and Crosswind Intensity

Abstract

As high-speed railway technology advances rapidly, aerodynamic safety under crosswind conditions has become a critical engineering concern. This study investigates the aerodynamic characteristics of the CR450 high-speed train under various track topographies—including viaducts, embankments, and cuttings—equipped with perforated windbreaks. Utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations, the study systematically analyzes the flow field structures and aerodynamic loads across varying crosswind intensities. The results indicate that, compared to traditional nonperforated (solid) windbreaks, perforated structures significantly optimize the pressure distribution around the train. By allowing controlled airflow penetration, perforated windbreaks effectively reduce the severe negative pressure zones and wake vortex areas, thereby improving overall aerodynamic stability. Furthermore, the perforated design exhibits superior adaptability to varying wind speeds, reducing the fluctuation range of lateral forces and overturning moments by over 60% compared to nonperforated configurations. This flow-filtering mechanism effectively mitigates the abrupt blockage effects of solid walls, offering a robust theoretical foundation for the design and optimization of wind-protection infrastructure in high-speed rail networks.