Stochastic space vibration analysis of a train-bridge coupling system

Abstract

The Pseudo-Excitation Method (PEM) is applied to study the stochastic space vibration responses of train-bridge coupling system. Each vehicle is modeled as a four-wheel mass-spring-damper system with two layers of suspension system possessing 15 degrees-of- freedom. The bridge is modeled as a spatial beam element, and the track irregularity is assumed to be a uniform random process. The motion equations of the vehicle system are established based on the d'Alembertian principle, and the motion equations of the bridge system are established based on the Hamilton variational principle. Separate iteration is applied in the solution of equations. Comparisons with the Monte Carlo simulations show the effectiveness and satisfactory accuracy of the proposed method. The PSD of the 3-span simply-supported girder bridge responses, vehicle responses and wheel/rail forces are obtained. Based on the <TEX>$3{\sigma}$</TEX> rule for Gaussian stochastic processes, the maximum responses of the coupling system are suggested.