This paper presents a framework to investigate the dynamics of overall vehicle-track systems with emphasis on theoretical modelling, numerical simulation and experimental validation. A three-dimensional vehicle-track coupled dynamics model is developed in which a typical railway passenger vehicle is modelled as a 35-degree-of-freedom multi-body system. A traditional ballasted track is modelled as two parallel continuous beams supported by a discrete-elastic foundation of three layers with sleepers and ballasts included. The non-ballasted slab track is modelled as two parallel continuous beams supported by a series of elastic rectangle plates on a viscoelastic foundation. The vehicle subsystem and the track subsystem are coupled through a wheel-rail spatial coupling model that considers rail vibrations in vertical, lateral and torsional directions. Random track irregularities expressed by track spectra are considered as system excitations by means of a time-frequency transformation technique. A fast explicit integration method is applied to solve the large nonlinear equations of motion of the system in the time domain. A computer program named TTISIM is developed to predict the vertical and lateral dynamic responses of the vehicle-track coupled system. The theoretical model is validated by full-scale field experiments, including the speed-up test on the Beijing-Qinhuangdao line and the high-speed running test on the Qinhuangdao-Shenyang line. Differences in the dynamic responses analysed by the vehicle-track coupled dynamics and by the classical vehicle dynamics are ascertained in the case of vehicles passing through curved tracks.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00423110802621561

Fundamentals of vehicle–track coupled dynamics

Dynamic modeling of gearbox faults: A review

This paper presents a framework to systematically investigate the high-speed train–track–bridge dynamic interactions, aiming to provide a method for analysing and assessing the running safety and the ride comfort of trains passing through bridges, which are critically important for the design of new high-speed railway bridges. Train–track–bridge interactive mechanism is illustrated. A fundamental model is established for analysing the train–track–bridge dynamic interactions, in which the vehicle subsystem is coupled with the track subsystem through a spatially interacted wheel–rail model; and the track subsystem is coupled with the bridge subsystem by a track–bridge dynamic interaction model. Modelling of each subsystem and each interactive relationship between subsystems are presented. An explicit–implicit integration scheme is adopted to numerically solve the equations of motion of the large non-linear dynamic system in the time domain. Computer simulation software named the train–track–bridge interacti...

High-speed train-track-bridge dynamic interactions - Part I: theoretical model and numerical simulation

This paper is a review of the effect of vehicle characteristics on ground- and track borne-vibrations from railways. It combines traditional theory with modern thinking and uses a range of numerical analysis and experimental results to provide a broad analysis of the subject area. First, the effect of different train types on vibration propagation is investigated. Then, despite not being the focus of this work, numerical approaches to vibration propagation modelling within the track and soil are briefly touched upon. Next an in-depth discussion is presented related to the evolution of numerical models, with analysis of the suitability of various modelling approaches for analysing vehicle effects. The differences between quasi-static and dynamic characteristics are also discussed with insights into defects such as wheel/rail irregularities. Additionally, as an appendix, a modest database of train types are presented along with detailed information related to their physical attributes. It is hoped that this information may provide assistance to future researchers attempting to simulate railway vehicle vibrations. It is concluded that train type and the contact conditions at the wheel/rail interface can be influential in the generation of vibration. Therefore, where possible, when using numerical approach, the vehicle should be modelled in detail. Additionally, it was found that there are a wide variety of modelling approaches capable of simulating train types effects. If non-linear behaviour needs to be included in the model, then time domain simulations are preferable, however if the system can be assumed linear then frequency domain simulations are suitable due to their reduced computational demand.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/23248378.2014.897791

Railway-induced ground vibrations – a review of vehicle effects

Train–track–bridge dynamic interaction is a fundamental concern in the field of railway engineering, which plays an extremely important role in the optimal design of railway bridges, especially in ...

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00423114.2019.1605085

Train–track–bridge dynamic interaction: a state-of-the-art review

Modelling and experiment of railway ballast vibrations

Improved analytical calculation model of spur gear mesh excitations with tooth profile deviations

The objective of the article is to investigate the vibration characteristic and the long-term service performance of a China Railway High-speed (CRH) train at operation speed of 350 km/h through on-track field tests. The article first introduces the test method and system as well as the field conditions including the main parameters of the test train and track. A CRH electric multiple unit (EMU), called the CRH2C, is chosen for the experiment. A duration test lasting for about 2 months is carried out to acquire the data of vehicle vibration acceleration and the wheel profile wear. Based on the test data, the article presents the vibration behaviours of car body, bogie frame and axle box as well as the lateral hunting stability of the train operating at speed of 350 km/h, and the evolution of the train dynamic performance under long-term operation condition. Results show that the vibration accelerations of vehicle components are in a low level when the train runs on a non-ballasted track at the speed of 35...

Kaiyun Wang

Papers

Fundamentals of vehicle–track coupled dynamics

High-speed train-track-bridge dynamic interactions - Part I: theoretical model and numerical simulation

Modelling and experiment of railway ballast vibrations

Improved analytical calculation model of spur gear mesh excitations with tooth profile deviations

Experimental investigation on vibration behaviour of a CRH train at speed of 350 km/h