On the Equivalence between Static and Dynamic Railway Track Response and on the Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko Beams Analogy

Abstract

The paper tries to clarify the problem of solution and interpretation of railway track dynamics equations for linear models. Set of theorems is introduced in the paper describing two types of equivalence: between static and dynamic track response under moving load and between the dynamic response of track described by both the Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beams. The equivalence is clarified in terms of mathematical method of solution. It is shown that inertia element of rail equation for the Euler-Bernoulli beam and constant distributed load can be considered as a substitute axial force multiplied by second derivative of displacement. Damping properties can be treated as additional substitute load in the static case taking into account this substitute axial force. When one considers the Timoshenko beam, the substitute axial force depends additionally on shear properties of rail section, rail bending stiffness, and subgrade stiffness. It is also proved that Timoshenko beam, described by a single equation, from the point of view of solution, is an analogy of the Euler-Bernoulli beam for both constant and variable load. Certain numerical examples are presented and practical interpretation of proved theorems is shown.