Numerical simulation and optimization on opening angles of aerodynamic braking plates sets for a maglev train

The aerodynamic braking has become an attractive option with the continuous improvement of train speeds. The study aims to obtain the optimal opening angles of multiple sets of braking plates for the maglev train. Therefore, a multi-objective optimization method is adopted to decrease the series interference effect between multiple sets of plates. And the computational fluid dynamics method, based on the 3-D, RANS method and SST k-ω turbulence model, is employed to get the initial and iterative data. Firstly, the aerodynamic drag and lift are analysed, as well as the pressure and velocity distribution of the flow field with the braking plates open at 75°. Then, the aerodynamic forces of each braking plate pre and post optimization are compared. Finally, the correlation between each set of braking plates and the optimized objective is analysed. It is found from the results that the aerodynamic drag and lift of the train have significant differences with or without multiple sets of braking plates. Additionally, the design variable corresponding to the number of iterations of 89 is taken as the relative optimal solution, and its opening angles of braking plates (B2-B5) are 87.41°, 87.85°, 87.41°, and 89.88°, respectively. The results are expected to provide a reference for the opening angles design scheme for the future engineering application of high-speed maglev train braking technology.