Aerodynamics and Acoustics Division

Profile

Our division is composed of Vehicle Aerodynamics Laboratory, Heat and Air Flow Analysis Laboratory and Noise Analysis Laboratory, and is responsible for research and development, consulting, and contract work concerning wayside environments and aerodynamic phenomena.

Introduction

In Japan, where commercial operation of Shinkansen trains exceeding 300 km/h has been realized and the development of superconducting maglev systems capable of speeds around 500 km/h is underway, research and countermeasures related to railway wayside environments are attracting significant global attention.

The Aerodynamics and Acoustics Division works in close collaboration with railway operators to address issues related to the wayside environment, such as noise and tunnel micro-pressure waves, as well as safety-critical aerodynamic challenges, including the aerodynamic characteristics of railway vehicles under crosswind conditions.

Moving forward, we will continue to leverage our unique experimental facilities—such as the world’s only low-noise train model running test facility and large-scale low-noise wind tunnels—along with advanced numerical simulation technologies that accurately reproduce real phenomena, and our extensive expertise and experience in railway aerodynamics and wayside noise. Through these efforts, we aim to lead research and development in railway wayside environmental countermeasures worldwide.

Laboratories and their field