Aerodynamic braking device for high-speed trains: Design, simulation and experiment. (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jianyong, Zuo; Mengling, Wu; Chun, Tian; Ying, Xi; Zhuojun, Luo; Zhongkai, Chen
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Volume 228:Number 3(2014:Mar.)
• Page Start: 260
• Page End: 270
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: High-speed trains -- aerodynamic braking -- numerical simulation -- prototype design -- test; Railroads -- Periodicals; Personal rapid transit -- Periodicals; 625.1
• DOI: 10.1177/0954409712471620
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-4097

Abstract

This paper proposes the design of an aerodynamic braking device for a high-speed train. The design is based on the parameters of the high-speed train and the working principles of airplane wings. The proposed device is a unidirectional opening model driven by hydraulics. The prototype uses hard-wired signals to transmit braking commands on eight levels. The important characteristics of the device include a synchronous action and a fault-oriented security design. Its functions include service braking, gradual braking, emergency braking and self-checking. Simulation results show that deceleration in the high-speed zone between 250 and 500 km/h can be improved by between 8 and 60%. When the train runs at 500 km/h, the braking deceleration rate can be improved by 0.12 m/s 2 . The simulation results are found to agree with wind tunnel test results. The braking characteristics are also investigated using a test bed, which mimics the aerodynamic load exerted on the prototype when the train is running between 0 and 550 km/h. It is clearly demonstrated that the proposed principle of the aerodynamic braking system is feasible and its design scheme is reasonable. The aerodynamic braking device can survive a 50, 000 N aerodynamic load, and the time taken to achieve the maximum braking capacity, which is the time taken to take the brake panel from its closed position of −5° to the maximum angle of 75°, is less than 3 s. The proposed prototype therefore offers an important step in the design of practical systems.