Mechanical behavior and performance evolution of railway ballast track under dynamic stabiliser based on the hybrid MBD-DEM simulation

Abstract

The uncertainty in local structure and time-variable compaction of ballast aggregates poses challenges in selecting suitable stabilization methods and parameters for ballast tracks in practical engineering, often resulting in suboptimal operational outcomes. To address this issue comprehensively, the spatial hybrid model of the double dynamic stabilisers-ballast track (MBD-DEM) is proposed in this paper. Subsequent numerical simulations of stabilisation operations are conducted to elucidate ballast vibration, migration behavior and the evolution of ballast track resistance under varying initial conditions of the ballast bed. Initially, leveraging multibody dynamics theory (MBD) and discrete element method (DEM), a MBD model of double stabilisers and a DEM ballast track model containing 6 sleepers were established respectively. Using the coupling interface, the real-time hybrid calculation of these two models is achieved through 6 sleepers in the middle of the ballast bed. Subsequently, the model's accuracy was validated by comparing test data from stabilisation vehicle operations on a Kunming Railway Bureau test line with simulation data from the dynamic double stabilisers-ballast track spatial hybrid model. Finally, utilizing the proposed hybrid model, the dynamic behavior, contact states, and movement rules of ballast particles during stabilisation operations on both loose and initially stable ballast beds (LBB and ISBB) were investigated at the mesoscopic scale. Concurrently, an in-depth analysis of lateral resistance changes in the ballast bed before and after the stabilisation operation is presented. The relevant findings effectively unveil the evolution of dynamic behavior in the ballast bed during stabilisation operations, concluding with practical suggestions for on-site operations. Simulation results illustrate that the rotation of ballast particles in the XY plane beneath each sleeper is predominantly characterized by harmonic rotation. With an increase in the depth of the ballast bed, the range of the rotation axis for combined angular velocity diminishes, leading to the phenomenon of rotation axis deflection. To ensure operational safety and efficiency, a minimum of two-times stabilization operations is recommended for loose ballast beds (LBB), with three-times operations considered optimal. For initially stable ballast beds (ISBB), one-time stabilization operation is basically sufficient.