Simulations of wheel-rail dynamics due to track ballast voids

Ballasted track is used in heavy haul transportation. Two rails are fastened on the sleepers which are settled on the ballast. Due to the ballast voids, one or several sleepers lose the support from the ballast, leading to a significant dynamic behaviour between the wheel and the rail. The rail life will be unavoidably reduced. A rail vehicle-track dynamic interaction model has been generated to focus on the understanding of rail damage processes. The simulation will produce clear indications regarding the influence of the ballast voids on wheel-rail dynamic forces. Both the effects of the multiple ballast voids and the wagon speed are discussed.