Sensitivity analysis of track parameters on train-track dynamic interaction

Abstract

Dynamic behavior of railway tracks when trains are running is influenced by several factors, i.e. rolling stock, the components of superstructure and their specifications. Usually, features like the sleeper spacing, rail pad stiffness, ballast damping and stiffness have an effect on the dynamic response of the track. The best method to study the dynamic behavior of the track is to model the track assembly and the train as a whole and carry out an analysis of dynamic interaction. Such analysis makes the identification of the track's dynamic behavior easer and helps to anticipate the deterioration of the track elements, and determines the effects of increase or decrease of mentioned parameters. This paper presents track-train dynamic interaction without considering irregularity of the rail face. A sensitivity analysis was carried out on the selected model. The analysis was undertaken with the view of varying one of the mentioned parameters and the results were presented to further identify the deterioration of the track elements.The results indicate that reducing sleeper spacing, rail pad stiffness, ballast stiffness, and increasing ballast damping reduces wheel-rail, rail-sleeper, and sleeper -ballast contact forces.

A novel application of image processing for the detection of rail surface RCF damage and incorporation in a crack growth model

“…While increase in railpad stiffness decreases displacement of rail with a slight increase in support interaction forces. The contact forces at the wheel-rail interface are observed to decrease for decreasing ballast damping constant, as reported by Zakeri et al [22]. …”

Some Aspects of Support Stiffness Effects on Dynamic Ballasted Railway Tracks

“…As some examples, Szépe [1] studied the railway superstructure as a beam on the elastic foundation. Zakeri and Xia [2] investigated the railway parameters due to the moving train loads. Zoller and Zobory [3] investigated the track model for metro due to the moving load.…”

Numerical and field investigations of track dynamic behavior caused by light and heavy railway vehicles

“…Generally, the research fields of these researchers could be divided into three categories: dynamic analysis of railway tracks, simulation of the vehicle and railway track, and train-track interaction. Some of the most prominent researchers who studied these fields are: Cai (1992), Zhai and Sun (1994), Knothe (1995), Zhai and Cai (1997), Fryba (1999), Zakeri (2000), Popp et al (2003), Zakeri and Xia (2008), Bogacz and Czyczuła (2008), Dahlberg (2010) and Zakeri and Ghorbani (2011). Among the most important parameters in the analysis of railway tracks, axle loads of railway vehicles and support conditions of ballasted railway tracks could be pointed out.…”