Analysis of the influence of vibration frequency and amplitude on ballast bed tamping operation in railway turnout areas

Turnout is the essential track equipment to achieve train switching. To ensure a safe and stable railway operation, it is significant to carry out scientific tamping operations in the turnout areas. However, the tamping operation parameters of the large machine in the turnout areas are complex and diverse. The daily maintenance is mainly based on experience. In order to enhance the effectiveness of field maintenance operations, based on the DEM-MBD coupling algorithm, a simulation model of the tamping device-sleeper-ballast bed in the turnout areas was established and analyzed. The ballast material used is granite, commonly used in China, and the ballast particle gradation is the first-grade ballast commonly used in China's mainline railway and turnout areas. The correctness of the model was verified by field tests. On this basis, the influence of vibration frequency and amplitude on the tamping operation of the ballast bed in turnout areas is analyzed in detail from both macro and micro perspectives. Based on the response surface analysis method, parameter optimization suggestions are given. The results show that the vibration frequency significantly affects the vertical contact state of the particles, and the amplitude of the tamping device has a considerable influence on the contact state of particles along the line. The support stiffness of the ballast bed initially increases and later decreases with an increase in vibration frequency and amplitude. It is observed that tamping device amplitude has a greater influence on the support stiffness of the ballast bed than vibration frequency.

Automated summary

This article establishes and analyzes a simulation model to study the influence of vibration frequency and amplitude on the ballast bed tamping operation in the turnout areas. Parameter optimization suggestions are provided based on the research findings.