Wheelset Structural Flexibility and Track Flexibility in Vehicle-Track Dynamic Interaction

Abstract: This thesis investigates the influence of wheelset structural flexibility and track flexibility on the vehicle-track dynamic interaction, mainly in terms of wheel-rail forces up to 200 Hz, using simulations and measurements. The previous knowledge in this field is first reviewed and summarized, then two case studies are selected for investigation. The first case study involves a locomotive running on a tangent track section at a speed of 140 km/h, while the second one deals with a newly designed motor coach running at two adjacent and tangent track sections with different track components and at speeds up to 280 km/h.For the locomotive case study, the wheelset dynamic properties are first investigated through experimental modal analysis (EMA) for a frequency range of 0-500 Hz, assuming free boundary conditions. The EMA results showed relatively low wheelset eigenfrequencies. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model, which also includes the wheelset gear-box, is then developed and validated against the measurements for frequencies up to 200 Hz with good agreement. The FE results displayed a significant influence of the wheels’ flexibility on the wheelset’s total structural flexibility.In order to assure proper representation of the track flexibility the vertical and lateral dynamic track properties at a sleeper are measured through a special vehicle at standstill, and measured track irregularities are used. In the numerical simulations, the wheelset structural flexibility is introduced using the calculated eigenmodes above while so-called moving track models are used to model the track flexibility. The simulated wheel-rail forces are then validated against measured ones obtained from corresponding on-track measurements. Results from the simulations highlight the importance of proper track flexibility modelling and track data and also show a significant influence of the wheelset structural flexibility on the lateral track forces.For the motor coach case study, the wheelset dynamic properties are determined through numerical modal analysis using a rather simple FE model and a number of eigenmodes are then introduced in the simulations. The vertical and lateral track dynamic properties at selected track sections are measured using the standstill technique but rolling stiffness measurements, where the vertical track flexibility in the frequency range 5-50 Hz is measured continuously along the track, are also included. The track flexibility is introduced through moving track models. Measured track irregularity and vertical track roughness are also considered.Basic numerical simulations, where the calculated track forces are compared to measured ones, are first performed and followed by a set of parametric studies. The results display a significant influence of the track flexibility on vertical wheel-rail forces for frequencies above 80 Hz, with higher forces for the stiffer track (but weaker rails). The effect of wheelset structural flexibility on the lateral force is also confirmed. The parametric studies highlight the importance of track flexibility modelling and show that modifications of the vertical track receptance, motivated by uncertainties in the pertinent measurements, can improve the simulated forces.