Numerical investigation on aerodynamic characteristics of high-speed maglev trains under crosswinds: ground & bridge and double-track interference

Purpose This study aims to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of a 600 km/h high-speed maglev train operating under crosswind conditions, with emphasis on the coupled effects of infrastructure configuration (ground and bridge) and double-track interference. The work seeks to provide engineering insights into the unsteady aerodynamic behavior and crosswind safety of high-speed maglev trains. Design/methodology/approach A numerical investigation was conducted using the Improved Delayed Detached-Eddy Simulation (IDDES) method with compressible flow considerations. Four representative scenarios, including windward- and leeward-track operations on ground and bridge infrastructures, were simulated under crosswind speeds of 10, 20 and 30 m/s. The numerical framework was validated against experimental data, with a maximum aerodynamic-coefficient deviation of 5.67% in the validation case. Findings The results indicate that windward-track scenarios generally experience larger mean aerodynamic loads, whereas bridge scenarios, especially B1, exhibit stronger unsteady aerodynamic responses. Frequency-domain analysis shows that most fluctuation energy is concentrated below 100 Hz, with low-frequency components consistent with large-scale wake fluctuations. The flow-field analysis further demonstrates distinct aerodynamic behaviors between ground and bridge in terms of wake confinement and underbody flow development. Originality/value This study provides a systematic assessment of infrastructure and double-track effects for a full-scale high-speed maglev train-guideway configuration. The findings clarify maglev-specific blockage, bleeding, shielding, and wake-confinement mechanisms and provide support for infrastructure-dependent crosswind safety assessment.