High-Speed Train Running Characteristics Assessments Using Multibody Dynamics Simulation

Abstract

The development of railway transportation in Indonesia in recent years has increased the number of new vehicles with various types and specifications. These new vehicles should pass a series of running characteristics assessments against standards to ensure safety and comfort in operation. Before the field testing, the assessments using numerical simulation in the design stage need to be done. This study aims to assess the high-speed train running characteristics through modeling and testing using multibody dynamics simulation software. The standards used for the assessments refer to EN 14363 – Testing and Simulation for The Acceptance of Running Characteristics of Railway Vehicles. The high-speed train model was built and validated through four methods with comparative values calculated analytically. The validated model was then run in the simulation to get the parameters for assessment. The parameters include the coefficient of flexibility, critical speed, safety against derailment with various methods, ride comfort, and vibration mode. The parameters obtained from the simulation are compared to the acceptance criteria specified in the standard. The results show that the vehicle performance fulfills the requirement prescribed by EN 14363 standard. After the vehicle and the track infrastructure are ready, they need to be confirmed by a series of testing performed on the main line. This study supports the development of high-speed trains in Indonesia and is expected to give more insight into the usefulness of numerical simulation to predict the characteristic of dynamic performances of railway vehicles in actual operating conditions.