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Rail Transport Aerodynamics
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Rail Transport Aerodynamics

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Transportation and Future Mobility".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 1670

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xiaodong Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Traffic & Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Interests: experimental fluid mechanics; CFD; flow control; train aerodynamics; drag reduction
Dr. Zhengwei Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
Interests: train aerodynamics and operation safety; wind engineering; CFD application with AI; flow control; comprehensive comfort evaluation of rail transit
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rail transport aerodynamics play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of modern railway systems. This Special Issue is dedicated to advancing our understanding of aerodynamic phenomena associated with high-speed and conventional trains, covering theoretical analysis, computational simulations, wind tunnel experiments, and field measurements. The goal of this collection is to explore key topics in this field, such as drag reduction, crosswind stability, tunnel aerodynamics, flow control strategies, energy-efficient designs, and other railway-related aerodynamic effects. This Special Issue will contribute to the development of innovative solutions for improving operational performance, passenger comfort, and environmental sustainability in rail transport. We welcome contributions from researchers, engineers, and industry professionals working in railway aerodynamics and related fields to share their latest findings and technological advancements.

Dr. Xiaodong Chen
Dr. Zhengwei Chen
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • train aerodynamics
  • drag reduction
  • crosswind stability
  • train-induced aerodynamic effects
  • aerodynamics of rail infrastructure
  • tunnel aerodynamics
  • aeroacoustics in railway transport
  • AI-driven aerodynamic optimization
  • cabin air quality and ventilation
  • active and passive flow controls

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

31 pages, 15351 KB  
Article
Crosswind-Induced Hazards of Railway Bridge Auxiliary Fixtures: An IDDES Study on Walkway Slabs and Cable Troughs
by Hongkai Yan, Tanghong Liu, Xiaodong Chen, Haowei Cheng, Hongrui Gao and Xifeng Liang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12104; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212104 - 14 Nov 2025
Viewed by 397
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation into the aerodynamic behavior of pedestrian walkway slabs and cable troughs mounted on high-speed railway bridges under crosswind conditions. Using a full-scale T-beam bridge model with auxiliary components, unsteady flow simulations were performed employing the Improved [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation into the aerodynamic behavior of pedestrian walkway slabs and cable troughs mounted on high-speed railway bridges under crosswind conditions. Using a full-scale T-beam bridge model with auxiliary components, unsteady flow simulations were performed employing the Improved Delayed Detached-Eddy Simulation (IDDES) approach coupled with the Shear Stress Transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model. Both steady and unsteady flow fields were examined to characterize velocity and pressure distributions, vortex shedding mechanisms, and aerodynamic force responses over a range of attack angles (α = –20° to +20°), yaw angles (β = 0° to 60°), and wind speeds (20–40 m/s). Results reveal that vortex-induced oscillations dominate at negative attack angles, while high positive angles suppress shedding and widen spectral energy. Spanwise flow effects persist across large yaw angles, maintaining consistent wake patterns but with reduced magnitudes. Aerodynamic coefficients of lift on slabs and troughs peak near α = 0°, with failure wind speeds computed at approximately 35 m/s for slabs and 22 m/s for troughs. Based on these findings, design recommendations are proposed to mitigate uplift and vibration risks in auxiliary bridge fixtures under extreme wind conditions. This work advances the assessment of crosswind safety for railways by incorporating the indirect effects of line-side structures on train operations, providing a basis for defining critical wind speed thresholds for railway bridge safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rail Transport Aerodynamics)
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19 pages, 15765 KB  
Article
Influences of Temperature Variations Around Subway Ventilations on Fractures of Continuous Welded Rail Fractures
by Jung-Youl Choi, Sang-Yeol Park, Sun-Hee Kim and Jee-Seung Chung
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5391; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105391 - 12 May 2025
Viewed by 934
Abstract
This study examines factors affecting the thermal expansion behavior of continuous welded rails (CWRs) in urban rail systems and investigates conditions that lead to rail weld fractures. Parameters affecting CWR fractures near ventilation shafts in urban rail systems are identified through field investigations [...] Read more.
This study examines factors affecting the thermal expansion behavior of continuous welded rails (CWRs) in urban rail systems and investigates conditions that lead to rail weld fractures. Parameters affecting CWR fractures near ventilation shafts in urban rail systems are identified through field investigations and machine learning analysis. Further, a computational fluid dynamics analysis is employed to evaluate the range of temperature variation around tunnel ventilation shafts that affects the CWR fractures. Load conditions, including temperature changes, were analyzed using a validated numerical model to determine the axial stress in the CWR, which resulted in a 23% reduction in the axial stress in the weld joint. The results confirm that increased localized temperature fluctuations around tunnel ventilation shafts lead to a higher frequency of CWR fractures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rail Transport Aerodynamics)
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