Crosswind effects on the stability of a model passenger train—A comparison of static and moving experiments

This paper explores the results obtained from an innovative physical model study which examined wind induced forces and pressures on a 1:25 scale model of a Class 390 Pendolino at a 30° yaw angle. For the first time, the work considers in detail the differences between moving model experiments and static experiments. Differences between the static and moving experiments are observed in the pressure distribution on the nose region of the train, however over the rest of the train the differences between the two sets of experiments are within the experimental uncertainty. The overall side, lift and rolling moment coefficients acting on the train are also shown to agree. This paper provides the scientific underpinning embedded within the current industrial guidelines and once and for all, demonstrates that in terms of the overall mean aerodynamic side and lift forces and rolling moment coefficients, static experiments are sufficient. •Static and moving model tests on a scale model train in crosswind are presented and compared.•Surface pressure measurements have been collected using a novel on-board stand-alone measuring system.•There are small differences between static and moving tests in the pressure distribution limited to the nose of the train and to the underbody.•There is good agreement in both the mean overall side and lift force and rolling moment coefficients.