A contact-area model for rail-pads connections in 2-D simulations: sensitivity analysis of train induced vibrations

Riccardo Ferrara (1, 2) , Giovanni Leonardi (3) , Franck Jourdan (1, 2)

1 LMGC - Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil
2 CGB - Couplages en Géomécanique et Biomécanique
3 Universita Mediterranea of Reggio Calabria [Reggio Calabria]

A numerical model to predict train induced vibrations is presented. The dynamic computation considers mutual interactions in vehicle/track coupled systems by means of a finite and discrete elements method. The rail defects and the case of out-of-round wheels are considered. The dynamic interaction between the wheel-sets and the rail is accomplished by using the non-linear Hertzian model with hysteresis damping. A sensitivity analysis is done to evaluate the variables affecting more the maintenance costs. The rail-sleeper contact is assumed extended to an area defined contact-zone, rather than a single point assumption which fits better real case studies. Experimental validations show how prediction fits well experimental data.

Domaines: Génie civil; Génie mécanique [physics.class-ph]; Génie mécanique [physics.class-ph]; Mécanique des structures [physics.class-ph]; Mécanique des structures [physics.class-ph]; Vibrations [physics.class-ph]; Vibrations [physics.class-ph]

Riccardo Ferrara, Giovanni Leonardi, Franck Jourdan. A contact-area model for rail-pads connections in 2-D simulations: sensitivity analysis of train induced vibrations. Vehicle System Dynamics, 2012, 51 (9), pp.1342-1362. ⟨10.1080/00423114.2013.801996⟩. ⟨hal-00873183⟩