Author :
Seco, M. ; Sanchez, E. ; Vinolas, J.
Abstract :
A time domain wheelflat/track FE model is presented. The model includes rail, rail pad, sleepers, ballast, wheel and primary suspension of the vehicle. The model allows calculating dynamic loads and rail accelerations due to wheel defects, particularly wheelflats. Wheelflat modelling is specifically studied and compared with measurements of real wheels. A parametric study, which includes the study of the influence of train speed, defect size and railpad stiffness, is presented. The results from this parametric study show that, in general, the higher the speed, the size or the stiffness, the larger impact load and rail accelerations and that the dependence is not linear. This results are used in a track monitoring system for the detection of vehicles having wheelflats
Keywords :
finite element analysis; impact (mechanical); railways; suspensions (mechanical components); time-domain analysis; vehicle dynamics; wheels; ballast; impact load; primary suspension; rail accelerations; rail pad; railpad stiffness; sleepers; track monitoring system; train speed; wheel defects; wheelflats; Wheelflat; vehicle-track interaction;
