Title: Dynamic analysis of a railway vehicle in real operation conditions using a new wheel-rail contact detection model

Authors: Joao Pombo, Jorge Ambrosio

Addresses: Escola Superior de Tecnologia de Abrantes, Inst. Politecnico de Tomar, rua 17 de 1808 Agosto de, 2200 370 Abrantes, Portugal. ' IDMEC, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049 001, Lisboa, Portugal

Abstract: A methodology to create 3D track models, including irregularities, is developed. A new method using wheel and rail surfaces parameterisations is applied to identify multiple contact points. This method allows lead and lag flange contact, required to study derailment and switches. The formulation can be used for any kind of wheel or rail profile and still be computationally efficient, without requiring lookup tables. The method is applied to study the ML95 vehicle in a straight track with experimentally measured track irregularities. The accuracy of this procedure is demonstrated with respect to selected results obtained by experimental testing and by ADAMS/Rail.

Keywords: railway dynamics; contact point detection; contact models; wheel-rail interaction forces; multibody dynamics; railway track modelling; derailment; switches; track irregularities; experimental testing; railway vehicles; vehicle modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2005.008574

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2005 Vol.1 No.1/2/3, pp.79 - 105

Published online: 04 Jan 2006 *

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