Wheel-rail impact load due to the loss of sleeper-ballast interface
1 Mechanical Engineering Department, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran.
2 Civil and Transportation Engineering Department, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
3 School of Railway Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 2024, 11(02), 167–174.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjaets.2024.11.2.0095
Publication history:
Received on 01 February 2024; revised on 11 March 2024; accepted on 13 March 2024
Abstract:
This paper presents a comprehensive study on the simulation and analysis of the loss of sleeper-ballast interfaces in railway systems. Through a combination of Multibody Dynamics (MBD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) techniques, accurate modeling and validation processes were employed to investigate the impact of interface loss on wheel-rail impact load. Various scenarios were explored, revealing significant findings: for fewer than 4 sleeper-ballast interface losses, a notable 30% increase in wheel-rail impact load was observed, while the rate of increase in wheel-rail impact load diminished for more than 4 sleepers. Furthermore, gap size emerged as a critical factor, with sizes between 0.2 mm and 1.6 mm leading to a load increase exceeding 65%. The study also highlighted the substantial influence of train speed on load dynamics, particularly evident at speeds up to 200 km/h, where loads escalated significantly, resulting in a 180% increase under adverse conditions. These findings emphasize the importance of considering various factors in maintaining railway infrastructure integrity and safety.
Keywords:
Sleeper-Ballast Interface; Wheel-Rail Interaction; Train-Track Dynamics; Track Vibration
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