[JP] Tohoku University to Enhance Aerodynamic Performance of Maglev

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Tohoku University and JR Central Launch Joint Research Using Supercomputer “Fugaku” to Enhance Aerodynamic Performance of Maglev


Tohoku University and Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) announced on June 26 that they have begun joint research aimed at improving the aerodynamic performance of superconducting maglev train cars, leveraging the capabilities of the supercomputer “Fugaku.”
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2025-06-30_Tohoku

A conceptual diagram illustrating the aerodynamic performance enhancement of the superconducting maglev using next-generation aircraft aerodynamic simulation technology
(Source: Tohoku University press release PDF)
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The collaborative research is being conducted by Professor Soji Kawai and his team from the Graduate School of Engineering at Tohoku University, in partnership with JR Central.

The airflow around aircraft and high-speed rail vehicles is affected by the complex shapes of the fuselage or car body, resulting in high-speed, high-Reynolds-number turbulent flow conditions. The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity defined as the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces in a fluid; the higher the number, the more dominant the inertial forces become, causing the flow to transition to turbulence.

Accurately predicting and understanding such complex flows is crucial for reducing aerodynamic drag and noise, ultimately contributing to greater energy efficiency.

Accessed: June 30, 2025 Author: Hisami Haru Source: https://news.mynavi.jp/techplus/article ... 0-3367527/

[Miss Maglev]

Summary of Contents of the Press release

1. Research Collaboration
Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Engineering, led by Prof. Soji Kawai, and JR Central (JR東海) have initiated joint research utilizing Fugaku, Japan's flagship supercomputer, to enhance aerodynamic performance of superconducting maglev trains .

2. High-End Simulation Technology
The project employs an advanced fluid dynamics solver, FFVHC‑ACE, developed under Fugaku's “Aircraft Digital Flight” acceleration program to simulate complex, high‑Reynolds-number turbulent flows—previously only achieved in large-scale aircraft flight simulations.

3. Objectives & Benefits
Accurately replicate real-world maglev conditions (turbulence, aerodynamic noise) through large-scale simulations.
Aim to achieve lower drag, quieter operation, enhanced ride comfort, and improved energy efficiency.

4. Computational Details
The team has previously succeeded in replicating real aircraft flight tests using large-scale simulation on Fugaku .
Simulation scales now extend to full-length maglev vehicle sets, including bogies (trucks) and intricate components.

5. Future Outlook
Aim to demonstrate the fusion of high-precision compressed-fluid CFD with data‑driven analytics, driving a digital transformation (DX) in vehicle design.
Potential to apply the technology beyond trains and aircraft to other industries involving compressible flow .

6. Acknowledgments
Research supported by the Ministry of Education’s “Fugaku Achievement Acceleration Program” under two sub-projects:
“Advanced design techniques replacing aircraft flight testing” (JPMXP1020200312)
“Aircraft Digital Flight development DX demonstration” (JPMXP1020230320)

The Press Release can be found here: https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/japanese/newim ... lation.pdf (Accessed 2025-06-30)
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tohokuuniv-press20250626_00_simulation.pdf

2025-06-30_Tohoku Press release

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[Miss Maglev]

JR Central and Tohoku University Launch Joint Study to Boost Aerodynamics of Superconducting Maglev Using Fugaku

On June 26, JR Central and Tohoku University announced a collaborative research initiative that uses the Fugaku supercomputer to enhance the aerodynamic performance of superconducting maglev vehicles.

Project Highlights:

Leader researchers: Professor Munetoshi Kawai and colleagues from Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Engineering teamed up with JR Central .

They have developed a fluid-analysis solver called FFVHC‑ACE, built on their work in the “Digital Flight for Aircraft Development DX” program, enabling high-precision simulation of turbulent airflow around complex geometries at high speeds and Reynolds numbers.

This same solver, used in aerospace, will now be applied to maglev trains, allowing detailed aerodynamic analysis of full-length vehicles—including bogies—during tunnel travel .

Potential Benefits:

Reduced air resistance leading to lower power consumption.

Quieter operation and improved ride comfort.

Greater environmental efficiency in maglev vehicle design.

JR Central has been working since 2004 with JAXA on aerodynamic optimization. The latest tests with the improved L0-series test vehicle on the Yamanashi maglev line already reflect AI-driven nose-shape enhancements.

The new project extends this by applying Fugaku-powered simulations to even more complex parts of the vehicle.

Under the JAXA J‑SPARC partnership (since April 2025), JR Central is also experimenting on the Yamanashi test track with micro-grooved “riblet film” surfaces to reduce drag .