Stochastic analysis of dynamic interaction between train and railway turnout

Abstract

The performance of a railway turnout (switch and crossing) is influenced by a large number of input parameters of the complex train–turnout system. To reach a robust design that performs well for different traffic situations, random distributions (scatter) of these inputs need to be accounted for in the design process. Stochastic analysis methods are integrated with a simulation model of the dynamic interaction between train and turnout. For a given nominal layout of the turnout, using design of experiments methodology and a two-level fractional factorial screening design, four parameters (axle load, wheel–rail friction coefficient, and wheel and rail profiles) are identified to be the most significant. These parameters are further investigated using a three-level full factorial design and stochastic analysis. The random distributions of transverse wheel profile and set of transverse rail profiles along the switch panel are accounted for by the Karhunen–Loève expansion technique. The influence of the random distributions of the input parameters on the statistical outputs of wheel–rail contact forces, wear and rolling contact fatigue is assessed using Latin hypercube sampling to generate a number of stochastic load realizations.