Three-Dimensional Vehicle-Curved Track Dynamic Model Based on FEM and DEM

In this work, a systematic vehicle-curved track dynamic model is presented, in which the vehicle is modeled as a multi-rigid-body system. The track structure is modeled by finite element method with curved rail beam element considered in geometry. To obtain accurate dynamic behavior of railway ballasted track, the resistance characteristics of ballast bed are revealed by introducing the discrete element method. Besides, a two-step iterative-update method is improved to solve the multi-nonlinearity of the vehicle-curved track dynamic interaction. To improve the computational efficiency, and the improved infinite cyclic calculation method is introduced. Apart from the model validations, the application of this model in engineering practices, such as the vehicle-induced vibration of the continuously welded rail (CWR), has been revealed, and some conclusions are drawn from the numerical studies.

Automated summary

This work presents a systematic vehicle-curved track dynamic model, including the modeling of the vehicle and track structure, as well as improvements in the discrete element method and iterative-update method, along with the introduction of the improved infinite cyclic calculation method. Through engineering practices and numerical studies, conclusions have been drawn regarding vibration issues caused by vehicles.