Analysis of train/turnout vertical interaction using a fast numerical model and validation of that model

Abstract

A two-dimensional (2D) finite element model has been developed for simulation and analysis of train/turnout vertical dynamic interactions at a common crossing. The model has been validated through field measurements and simulation results obtained using a three-dimensional (3D) multi-body system (MBS) model. The dynamic behaviour of three turnouts on the Dutch railway network was simulated using the 2D model. The simulation results were compared with measured data collected from the instrumented crossings containing corresponding turnouts. It was observed that the values of the vertical acceleration of the crossing nose obtained from the simulations were in good agreement with the measured values. The 2D model was verified by adapting the more intricate 3D MBS model established in the VI-Rail software. The vertical geometry of the rail used in the 2D model was obtained using the wheel trajectory from the 3D model. It was observed that the dynamic wheel forces in the two models were close to one another. From these results it was concluded that the 2D model is able to simulate train/turnout interactions with a good accuracy and thus it can be used instead of complex time-consuming numerical simulations.

Improvement of train-track interaction in transition zones via reduction of ballast damage

“…It was acknowledged at the start of the project that simulation methods for vehicle dynamic interaction at switches and crossings either based on available multibody system tools (Andersson et al, 2006, Lagos et al, 2012, Nicklisch et al, 2010 or more complex FE models (Markine et al, 2011, Pletz et al, 2012, Wan et al, 2014 have been used very successfully but are generally complex and time consuming, thus limiting the quantity of cases which can be simulated. This is particularly true with wheel population investigated, which constitute a significant contributor to the variation in predicted results.…”

Nonlinear Finite Element Modelling of Railway Turnout System considering Bearer/Sleeper-Ballast Interaction

“…Railway turnout systems have generally been analysed using a grillage beam method (Manalo et al, 2010) [12,15]. Although the simplification is useful, such a method cannot adequately assist in the failure analyses of turnout components.…”

Performance study of a double crossover for facing and trailing directions

“…The same approach can be used to assess the wheel quality, which means that the wheel with too high or low acceleration may be regarded as bad wheel. (Figure 4a) with the implementation of elastic-plastic nonlinear kinematic hardening material is developed to simulate the dynamic response of a whole wheelset while it is passing a crossing [8,9]. The model consists a crossing section of 4540mm long and the S1002 unworn wheel profile is used.…”

“…may also result in various wheel/crossing interaction. For example, the dynamic behaviour of the turnout crossing, including the variation of elastic track properties was studied in [2,9] using the two-dimensional (2-D) finite element software DARTS_NL. In [2] the contact forces in the trailing travelling direction of a train with three velocities were simulate.…”