World’s Fastest Train Prototype Undergoes Testing in China
China’s new high-speed train model CR450 is undergoing extensive tests, paving the way for the commercial operation of this new bullet train.
China has broken its own record with what could be the world’s fastest high-speed train.
According to China State Railway Group Co, Ltd (China Railway), the CR450 can run at 450 kilometres per hour in tests and operation.
Engineers at the test centre have been carefully overseeing the “weight control” of the CR450 prototypes.
To achieve this, they have installed sensors on the tracks, which transmit real-time weight data for each of the eight wheels on both sides of every carriage to a computer system.
Precise monitoring
This allows for precise monitoring and adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
“While reducing the weight, we must ensure that its strength does not decrease, and we even need to increase its strength because of the higher speed. It’s just like a person who wants to slim down while building strength. This involves structural changes and material innovations,” said Chen Can, an associate researcher at the Locomotive and Vehicle Research Institute China Academy of Railway Sciences (CARS) Corporation Limited.
Resonance and heat
Researchers must overcome challenges such as resonance and heat dissipation to reduce air resistance during high-speed operation.
For the first time, they have enclosed the entire bogie area underneath the train.
“Ensuring the smoothness of the entire train body minimises resistance during operation,” Ha Dalei, a senior designer at the National Engineering Research Centre of Rail Transportation of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, Ltd.
The CR450 prototype has completed static and low-speed dynamic tests in traction, braking, and noise. The next step will be gradual speed increases during dynamic running tests.