Objective The carbody of maglev transit vehicle is the key load-bearing structure that supports operational loads and accommodates onboard equipment, its structural performance directly affects train operational safety and ride comfort. To ensure that the newly developed small-scale maglev carbody meets stringent operational requirements, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis and verification of its structural performance.

Method In accordance with standards including CJ/T 375–2011, EN 12663-1:2010, and IIW-2008, a discretized model of leading car body is established based on finite element method. The aluminum alloy profiles and the carbon-fiber composite panel skin of the carbody are modeled using shell elements, its rigid foam core is modeled using solid elements, and riveted and bolted connections are equivalently represented using beam elements. The performance analysis covers 10 simulated extreme operational load conditions and 4 simulated operational fatigue load conditions, systematically examining the mechanical responses of the carbody under various loading conditions including vertical, longitudinal, equipment impact, and jacking and lifting conditions.

Result & Conclusion  The minimum safety factor of the carbody load-bearing structure under static strength assessment is 1.45, and the maximum stress under all load conditions is lower than the allowable stress of the materials. Based on the fatigue cumulative damage theory, the maximum damage value is 0.536, satisfying fatigue resistance requirements. Under the curb-weight condition, the first-order vertical bending frequency of the carbody is 28.439 Hz, meeting resonance avoidance requirements.