Influence of abnormal wheel/rail contact and aerodynamic loads on the operational performance of high-speed train

The stability of a high-speed train considering abnormal wheel/rail contact relationship is primarily analyzed by using a train dynamic model. In addition, aerodynamic loads of train considering different crosswind speeds and operational speed are investigated through simulation of an aerodynamic train model. Subsequently, the influences of wheel/rail contact relationship and aerodynamic loads on the hunting stability and dynamic performance of the train are further analyzed, in terms of the operating mode, ride quality and operating safety of the train. The results show that the lateral displacement of wheelset increases due to crosswind loads in the presence of low wheel/rail conicity, and even leads to the wheel flange contact. For the high wheel/rail conicity condition, the crosswind load could suppress the hunting motion of bogie system. The hunting motion of wheelset could disappear and further converges to the equilibrium position, when the crosswind speed is greater than 10 m/s. Therefore, the crosswind load could enhance the ride comfort of train in the case of bogie hunting. Whereas, with the further increased crosswind loads, the crosswind load may deteriorate the ride comfort. Finally, considering the operational safety index of train under the crosswind loads, a safety region for different wheel/rail contact relationship is determined, which could facilitate the operational safety of high-speed train in the present of cross wind.