Innovative methodology for heavy haul train-track interaction dynamics issues

With the introduction of higher axleload wagons and higher traction locomotives in Australia, more rail damage can be observed. To investigate rail damage due to wheel-rail dynamic interactions, a new method is introduced which uses a two-way co-simulation technique to link a detailed infinitely long track model that is written in FORTRAN and a detailed locomotive or wagon model that is developed using the GENSYS software package. The original finite length track model has been evolved into an infinite one by using the method described in [1], considering rails, fasteners, sleepers, ballast, and subgrade. The locomotive or wagon model considers the carbody, bogie frames and wheelsets. Traction motors and gear boxes are considered in the locomotive model. As the track model and vehicle model can run mostly independently, a parallel computing technique is applied to improve the simulation speed as well as to simplify the model integration process. The co-simulation method can be applied to understand the dynamic performance characteristics of high axleload wagons and high adhesion locomotives to give an accurate evaluation and assessment of rail damage based on simulation results. One simulation case is used to demonstrate the method’s effectiveness.