Influence of crosswind intensity on cross stability of container trains running on plain

The velocity profile of the atmospheric boundary layer was used for numerical study on the aerodynamic loads of container trains running at a speed of 120 km/h on a plain and under a crosswind of 8~12 Beaufort scale with a 90° wind angle. The objects of study were the computational models consisting of locomotives hauling 3 NX₇₀ type flat cars and 3 X_6K type flat cars respectively, both carrying 12.192 m(40 feet) containers. Research results indicate as follows: On plains, the average lift force acting on the 3 containers on the X_6K type cars is about 25% of that acting on the containers on the NX₇₀ type cars, side forces acting on containers of the same formation order are basically equal, and roll moments acting on the containers on the X_6K type cars are about 60% of those acting on the containers on the NX₇₀ type cars; for trains running on plains, the design of container cars has a strong effect on the lift force onto the container and a little effect on the side force onto the container; large-area spacing on the underframe of the container car is favorable to air flow between the container bottom and the car bottom, which reduces the lift force and roll moment onto the container effectively; rational design of container cars may improve the crosswind stability of the cars carrying containers while running on plains.