Simulation of vehicle–track interaction with flexible wheelsets, moving track models and field tests

Abstract

Vehicle–track dynamic interaction emerged as a key multi-aspect subject following the development in high-speed and high axle-load trains. In this context, wheelset structural flexibility and track flexibility are the two main factors that contribute to high frequency content of the wheel–rail forces and influence the vehicle–track damage. Appropriate wheelset and track flexibility models are hence of great importance in pertinent numerical simulations. The present study comprises vehicle–track dynamic simulations considering wheelset structural flexibility and advanced moving track models. Simulated wheel–rail forces are then validated against measured data. The effects of the wheelset structural flexibility and track flexibility on the wheel–rail forces are investigated in the frequency range 0–150 Hz. The influence of track modelling and pertinent data on the simulation results is particularly assessed through a set of moving track models. Measured track data, i.e. irregularities, roughness and flexibility support the simulations. It is confirmed that track flexibility with appropriate modelling and data is important when examining the vehicle–track interaction. In the present case study, the influence of wheelset structural flexibility on the lateral wheel–rail forces is quite significant too.