Reduced-order modeling of train-curved-slab-track dynamics with the effects of fastening failures

Abstract

Fastening failures have frequently been found on China high-speed railway curved tracks in recent years. Thus the influence of fastening failures on high-speed train-track interaction in curved track needs to be analyzed. A train-curved slab track interaction model is built, in which the real shape of the curved rail is considered and modeled with reduced beam model (RBM) and curved beam theory, and the slabs are modeled with four-nodes Kirchhoff-Love plate elements. The present model is validated at first with different traditional models. Then the influence of fastening failure in curved slab track on train-track interaction dynamics is studied. A different number of failed fastenings is assumed to occur at the curved track, and different types of fastening failure including the fatigue fracture of the clip structure and failure of the rail pad are considered. Based on the calculation results, the fatigue fracture of the clip structure has little influence on train-track interaction dynamics. But when rail pad failure happens and its equivalent vertical stiffness and damping are less than one-tenth of its original, the fastening failure seriously affects the high-speed train operation safety, and it must be prevented.