Spatial-temporal characteristics of the transient flow field around high-speed trains transiting the subgrade-cutting transition section under crosswinds

High-speed trains (HSTs) transiting subgrade-cutting transition sections in crosswinds have become a common operating scenario. This paper utilizes the Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES) turbulence model, considers air compressibility, and establishes a three-dimensional coupled train-subgrade-wind dynamics model. The aerodynamic load (AL) variation rules of trains and discrepancies in the flow field mechanisms when HSTs transit various types of subgrade-cutting transition sections [half cutting and half flat (HCHF), double side cutting (DC), and half cutting and half embankment (HCHE)] under crosswind conditions are revealed using this model. The results indicate the following. (1) The aerodynamic performance deteriorates when trains transit three subgrade-cutting transition sections under crosswinds. (2) As trains enter the transition section from a flat approach, the head car’s AL power spectrum density (PSD) is the largest when operating in the DC case. (3) After the train drives into the subsequent operating scenario, the average of the AL in the DC case is the lowest. (4) In the DC case, a slope of 1:0.75 should be taken as the basis for the design of the corresponding cutting parameters. (5) After the train enters the cutting, the winding flow speed and number of vortex structures surrounding the trains increase significantly.