Investigation on train dynamic derailment in railway turnouts caused by track failure

Train derailments in low-speed railway turnout areas are very common due to poor track alignment and rail failures, and in extreme cases can lead to casualties and damage to infrastructure and railway vehicles. This study aims to explore the dynamic derailment behaviour caused by rail joint failures before the railway switch panel, and to understand the effects of crucial parameters on the operating safety of trains. To this end, a 3D dynamic coupled freight train-track simulation model is developed based on the MBS-FEM method. The model takes into consideration the lateral difference between rail joint sections that directly cause the wheel to rise. Flexible deformations of the rail and wheelset are modelled, and the derailment mechanism of wheel jumping and climbing in the railway switch panel is revealed. Results show that increasing the curve radius and distance between the rail joint and switch toe can effectively improve passing safety. When a sharp curve has to be placed before the switch panel due to site limitations, reducing the wheel-rail coefficient can also ensure better operating safety. This study indicates that the proposed MBS-FEM dynamic coupled derailment simulation model is able to efficiently evaluate the operating safety as a result of various wheel and track defects, and thus form a basis for providing a cost-effective platform for the future parameter optimization of railway tracks and vehicles.

Automated summary

Train derailments in low-speed railway turnout areas are very common due to poor track alignment and rail failures. This study uses a dynamic coupled simulation model to explore the derailment behavior caused by rail joint failures before the railway switch panel and to understand the effects of crucial parameters on the operating safety of trains. The results show that increasing the curve radius and distance between the rail joint and switch toe can effectively improve passing safety.