• Speed reduction from 280 km/h to 200 km/h significantly mitigates tunnel aerodynamic effects, with a 49.8% decrease in peak-to-peak pressure and a 50.7% decrease in transient pressure instability on inner walls.
• Entrance buffer structures effectively reduce maximum positive pressure by up to 25.7% and transient pressure instability by 29.0%, while also increasing pressure decay rate by 32.2%.
• Both speed reduction and buffer structures are proven to reduce micro-pressure wave levels with a simpler monotonic relationship, despite complex wave propagation in tunnels.
• The study provides practical insights for designing maglev tunnel systems to enhance passenger comfort and reduce aerodynamic noise and drag.