Influence of Track Stiffness Distribution on Vehicle and Track Interactions in Track Transition

Abstract

A model for dynamic analysis of the vehicle-track-subgrade coupling system was developed by utilizing the finite-element method. Based on the model, new types of vehicle and track elements are presented and their associated stiffness matrix, mass matrix, and damping matrix are formulated. Computational software is coded with Matlab. As an application example, influences of four kinds of transition patterns - abrupt change, step-by-step change, linear change, as well as cosine change for track stiffness distributions in track transitions - on dynamic behaviour of the vehicle and the track are investigated. The computational results show that the transition pattern of the track stiffness has primary influence on the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle and the track, and smoothing of the track stiffness distribution can significantly reduce the wheel-rail interaction forces and the rail vertical accelerations. From abating wheel-rail impact and improving traffic operation's point of view, the cosine change has the most effect, the linear change is somewhat effective and the abrupt change is the least effective for the four kinds of transition patterns of the track stiffness. However, the transition patterns of the track stiffness have essentially no influence on the vehicle vertical accelerations, due to the excellent behaviour of vibration isolation resulting from the primary and the secondary suspension systems of the vehicle.

Some Aspects of Support Stiffness Effects on Dynamic Ballasted Railway Tracks

“…Comparing the numerical results from this research with those that were reported by Lei and Zhang [12] and Koh et al [13] it is concluded that the results are comparable. Also, the responses of present study are in good agreement with the previous ones.…”

“…In the next stage, a vehicle/track problem is simulated using finite element method. In this regard, the results of the developed computer code are verified by comparing with numerical results of Lei and Zhang [12] and Koh et al [13]. Finally, comprehensive sensitivity analyses are performed on the effectiveness of the various parameters on the track stiffness.…”

“…The calculated vertical displacement versus the track position and the results from Lei and Zhang [12] and Koh et al [13] are presented in Fig. 9.…”

“…In order to verify the numerical results of the present study, the models proposed by Lei and Zhang [12] and Koh et al [13] are used.…”

Investigating the Influence of Auxiliary Rails on Dynamic Behavior of Railway Transition Zone by a 3D Train-Track Interaction Model

“…Li et al (2010) categorized the track main damages in transition zones in three categories: a) geometric disturbance of track, b) mud pumping and c) damages of track components. The numerical results of Lei and Zhang (2010) et al showed that the stiffness transition pattern of the track has a significant effect on the dynamic behavior of track and train, and that a gradual track stiffness transition can significantly decrease the wheel-rail interaction forces at the transition zone.…”