Study on the optimization of high-speed turnout crossing structures based on actual elastic deformation of point and splice rails

Abstract

In this paper, to address the shortcomings of the crossing structure design based on the elastic bending center method and the lack of related research, an optimization method for high-speed turnout crossing structures was proposed based on the actual elastic deformations of point and splice rails. Based on the finite element theory, the actual loading characteristics and spatial variable section characteristics of point and splice rails were fully considered, and a refined simulation analysis model of the switching system of point and splice rails in crossing areas was established. Moreover, the elastic deformation lines of point and splice rails in the nonworking state were obtained for the first time, which were consistent with actual situations. On this basis, system optimization was performed for the connecting parts of the crossing with a movable point in a high-speed turnout. In the crossing structure simulation model, the length adjustment values of the first–sixth spacer blocks between the branch line–wing and point rails and between the mail line–wing splice rails were ≤1 mm. Moreover, the lengths of the seventh–ninth spacer blocks decreased by gradually increasing amounts, and the length of the ninth spacer block decreased the most (∼6 mm). The length of the second spacer block between the point and splice rails slightly increased, but the length of the third spacer block significantly decreased by 6 mm. The length adjustment value of the distance block between the point and splice rails was smallest (0.7 mm). The calculated optimal lengths of the connecting parts of the crossing were found to be close to the empirical values used in actual manufacturing processes, and the dimension optimization patterns were completely consistent with actual situation, which validates the proposed optimization method. Thus, the proposed method can effectively improve the coordination between rails and connecting parts in crossing areas, substantially reduce internal stresses in crossing systems, and improve their assembly performance and service life. Moreover, the proposed optimization parameters can provide valuable references for the research on next-generation high-speed turnouts (400 km/h) and for improving the designs of existing high-speed turnouts.