Aerodynamic response of vertical panel noise barriers for 600 km/h high-speed maglev railways under crosswinds and train-induced airflows

Prominent aerodynamic noise from 600 km/h maglev trains necessitates vertical panel noise barriers (VPNBs), yet the coupling of crosswinds and train-induced airflows induces significant aerodynamic loads and potential structural risks. This study investigates the aerodynamic responses of VPNBs under coupled crosswinds and train-induced airflows using dynamic model tests, CFD simulations, and finite element analysis. The aerodynamic performance of VPNBs—including pressure, loads, and flow field evolution—is analyzed, and the structural responses in terms of Mises stress, displacement, and resonance risk are evaluated under coupled aerodynamic loads. The uneven distribution of vortex structures, caused by the coupling of crosswinds and train-induced airflows, results in aerodynamic load fluctuation amplitudes of VPNBs on the near-vehicle side that are up to 96.4% higher than those on the far-vehicle side. The maximum Mises stress and displacement of the noise barrier occur in the bottom region, reaching 87.19 MPa and 0.55 mm, respectively. Aerodynamic loads from train-induced airflows may excite resonance in VPNBs under the original 7.5 m barrier height when the train speed approaches 700 km/h. Reducing the barrier height to 5 m increases the first-order natural frequency to 12.53 Hz, effectively avoiding resonance with the excitation frequency within the 600 km/h operating range. These findings provide critical insights for the wind-resistant design and optimization of VPNBs on 600 km/h maglev railways, contributing to safe train operation and barrier structural stability.