Investigation and comparison of dynamic interaction models of vehicle-track systems

Abstract

The current study is devoted to comparison between vehicle-track dynamic interaction models focusing on responses of both vehicle and track components. In this regard, at the beginning, equations of a two-dimensional, 10 degrees of freedom vehicle model are derived, and then the equations of various track model types including one to five layers are derived. The coupled model of the vehicle and various types of track structures are simultaneously solved by using a numerical integration method. Moreover, numerical results are compared with those measured in the field and the validity of results is confirmed. In the next Section of the work, by comparison of both the vehicle and track responses in various track models, the applicability range of each track model is defined. Results for the track without rail irregularity indicate that there are no noticeable differences between track model types for estimating carbody accelerations, wheel-rail contact forces, rail velocities and accelerations when the equivalent method is used. However, the responses of rail displacements and track support forces are different between various track models. Therefore, in the railway track problems, the type of the track model should be determined based on the research purpose.