Title: Dynamic analysis and strength verification of track beams for suspended monorail vehicles under pulsating wind loads

Authors: Yongzhi Jiang; Shixin Zhang; Ping Cheng; Renxiang Chen; Qunsheng Wang

Addresses: School of Mechatronics and Vehicle Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China; State Key Laboratory of Rail Transit Vehicle System, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China ' School of Mechatronics and Vehicle Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China ' School of Mechatronics and Vehicle Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China ' School of Mechatronics and Vehicle Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, China ' State Key Laboratory of Rail Transit Vehicle System, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China

Abstract: This paper proposes a track beam strength analysis method preserving complex vibration characteristics. First, a wind-vehicle-bridge coupled dynamics model is established, using Park's numerical integration to solve dynamic responses and extract wheel-rail contact forces. Second, transient dynamics theory is applied with dynamic wheel-rail forces as moving loads for strength analysis, while track beam vibration indicators are checked against industry standards. Additionally, Ncode software calculates and verifies fatigue life. Results show the track beam's maximum dynamic stress is below yield strength; all vibration indicators meet requirements; and fatigue analysis confirms a minimum lifespan of 5.434 × 10¹⁰ cycles, with stress amplitudes within the modified Goodman-Smith diagram's safe zone. This study offers a theoretical basis and technical support for suspended monorail track beam optimisation and safety assessment, applicable to similar transport infrastructures.

Keywords: suspended monorail track beam; wind-vehicle-bridge coupled model; strength verification; fatigue life assessment; strongly coupled nonlinear characteristics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2026.155802

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2026 Vol.20 No.3, pp.351 - 381

Received: 06 Aug 2025
Accepted: 20 Jan 2026
Published online: 14 Aug 2026 *

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