Ideas for aerodynamic drag reduction for 400km/h high-speed trains

A study published in Advances in Wind Engineering reported a new approach to reduce aerodynamic drag in next-generation high-speed trains, potentially enabling more energy-efficient operation at speeds of 400 km/h. Through design optimizations of multiple train components, the researchers achieved a 22.11% reduction in aerodynamic drag compared to current operational models — one of the most substantial improvements reported in recent railway research.

"The key to substantial drag reduction lies in coordinated improvements across multiple train components," explains first author Prof. Wang Tiantian, from Central South University's Key Laboratory of Traffic Safety on Track. "While conventional approaches often focus on optimizing individual elements in isolation, we've found that simultaneously enhancing the train's nose shape, pantograph design, and bogie fairings can deliver notable improvements."

The team observed that extending the streamlined nose to 15 meters while moderately reducing train height produced measurable aerodynamic benefits. “The redesigned low-drag pantograph, featuring optimized geometry, demonstrated promising performance gains,” says Wang. “Additionally, certain uneven bogie fairing configurations might offer advantages over traditional flush designs in specific applications.”

While further research is needed to fully assess the practical implications, the study provides new insights for future train design considerations.

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Contact the author: Yu Wang, Key Laboratory of Traffic Safety on Track of Ministry of Education, School of Traffic & Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China, wangyu1994@csu.edu.cn

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