PRT-Modeling and Dynamic Simulation of Track and Vehicle

Abstract

Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) is a transportation concept offers speeds up to 50 kph at headways from a few seconds. With such a small headways changing the direction of motion is realized by passive switch. To meet requirements mentioned above, the dynamics of PRT vehicle must be investigated. This paper deals with the modelling and simulation of the dynamics of PRT vehicles and turnout geometry. The paper presents a non-linear multi-body dynamics model of a PRT vehicle comprising conceptual bogie system, main wheels and vehicle inertia. The model presents a PRT bogie concept according to the patent filed with The Polish Patent Office and developed by the authors of this paper. The purpose of the model is vehicle handling analysis. Additionally, the conceptual method for the design of turnout geometries based on the PRT researches has been outlined. All of the examples used for concepts explanation have been generated with the ADAMS and CATIA software. The one of this paper's conclusion is demonstration of how a simple vehicle and tire model can be used to carry out sensitivity studies with vehicle and tire parameters as design variables. Moreover, several important conclusions can be drawn from simulation studies, which are consistent with the findings on e.g. the analysis of track vehicle dynamics. Comparison of the motion along straight and curved tracks gives the possibility to provide different requirements concerning suspension, especially in the lateral direction.