Influences of guideway geometry parameters and track irregularity on dynamic performances of suspended monorail vehicle-guideway system

This work elaborately investigates the influences of the guideway geometry parameters and track irregularity on the dynamic performances of the suspended monorail vehicle-guideway system (SMVGS). Firstly, a spatial dynamic analysis model of the SMVGS is established by adopting ANSYS parameter design language. Then, the dynamic interaction between a vehicle with maximum design load and guideway is investigated by numerical simulation and field tests, revealing the vehicle-guideway dynamic features. Subsequently, the influences of the guideway geometry parameters and track irregularity on the dynamic performances of the SMVGS are analyzed and discussed in detail, and the reasonable ranges of several key geometry parameters of the guideway are also obtained. Results show that the vehicle-guideway dynamic responses change nonlinearly with an increase of the guideway span, and especially the guideway dynamic performances can be effectively improved by reducing the guideway span; based on a comprehensive consideration of all performance indices of the SMVGS, the deflection-span ratio of the suspended monorail guideway is finally recommended to be 1/1054 similar to 1/868. The train load could cause a large bending deformation of the pier, which would intensify the car-body lateral displacement and decrease the vehicle riding comfort; to well limit the bending deformation of the pier, its cross-section dimension is suggested to be more than 0.8 mx0.8 m. The addition of the track irregularity amplitude has small influences on the displacements and stress of the guideway; however, it would significantly increase the vehicle-guideway vibrations and rate of load reduction of the driving tyre.

Automated summary

This study investigates the influences of guideway geometry parameters and track irregularity on the dynamic performances of the suspended monorail vehicle-guideway system. By establishing a dynamic analysis model, the study reveals that reducing the guideway span can effectively improve dynamic performances and recommends a deflection-span ratio for the suspended monorail guideway. Furthermore, it suggests limiting bending deformation of piers to enhance vehicle riding comfort and discusses the impact of track irregularity on vehicle-guideway vibrations.