Study on semi-active damping control strategies to improve dynamic behavior of high-speed trains subject to strong crosswinds

The aerodynamic loads on high-speed trains (HSTs) increase as the running speed increases. Particularly, strong crosswinds can significantly increase these loads and generate a safety risk to trains. This paper focuses on the application of semi-active control strategies based on secondary lateral suspension for HST operating in crosswinds, aiming to enhance the running safety of HST. First, a vehicle nonlinear dynamics model with 50 degrees of freedom (DOFs) is established. The aerodynamic loads caused by crosswinds are simulated using Simiu wind spectra, and the track irregularities are acquired through field tests of the high-speed railway line. Second, a semi-active control model is set up using Matlab/Simulink to replace the secondary lateral damper, and the co-simulation for vehicle dynamics and semi-active control is undertaken. Then, the vibration characteristic analysis of the vehicle system caused by aerodynamic loads under crosswind conditions is conducted in both time and frequency domains, while a conventional semi-active control strategy is employed to attenuate the vibrations. Moreover, a single coefficient mixed skyhook and groundhook control strategy (SMSG) regulated by a single mixing coefficient β, and mixed skyhook and acceleration driven damper control strategy (MSA) is proposed. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed mixed skyhook and groundhook control strategy not only enhances the running safety of the trains in crosswind environments by adjusting the mixing coefficients but also improves ride performance compared to passive suspensions. While the suggested mixed skyhook and ADD control strategy can apparently reduce the vibration of the carbody.